2025/05/06 by Masahiro Hase, Anderson A. Ferreira, Hase, M. O. +5 · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Annealing (glass) #Complex Network Analysis Techniques #Complex system #FOS: Physical sciences #Network model #Phase diagram #Phase transition #Physics and Society (physics.soc-ph) #Polarization (electrochemistry) #Simulated annealing #Statistical Mechanics (cond-mat.stat-mech)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2505.03150
published in arXiv (Cornell University) (Cornell University)
openalex publication_date 2025/05/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/16 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
This paper investigates absorbing-state phase transitions in opinion dynamics through a master-node network model analyzed using annealing approximation. We develop a theoretical framework examining three fundamental regimes: systems converging to complete disagreement, complete consensus, or both states depending on initial conditions. The phase behavior is governed by two key chiral parameters: R measuring right-oriented influence and L measuring left-oriented influence in the network interactions. Our analysis reveals a rich phase diagram featuring both continuous and discontinuous transitions between disordered and ordered phases. The discontinuous transition emerges in systems with two absorbing states, where the final configuration depends critically on initial opinion distributions. The annealing approximation provides fundamental insights into how asymmetric social influences (chirality) shape collective opinion formation, acting as a symmetry-breaking element that drives the system toward polarization or consensus.