Heterogeneous Network Rumor Propagation Considering Forgetting and Hot Topic Effects

The propagation of information in heterogeneous networks reflects real-world dynamics, enabling strategies to control or mitigate the spread of rumors. This paper presents an innovative information diffusion model incorporating two novel factors: the hot topic effect, which captures the influence of trending topics on individuals regardless of direct connections, and a forgetting curve, simulating the memory decay in information retention. By extending classical rumor propagation models, the paper analyzes the system's equilibrium points, computes the basic reproduction number using the next-generation matrix method, and evaluates stability through Routh-Hurwitz and Lyapunov criteria. The proposed model bridges the gap between theoretical constructs and realworld observations, emphasizing how heterogeneous network features affect propagation dynamics. Numerical simulations validate the model's applicability, revealing multidimensional strategies for controlling rumor spread.