We extend threshold models by analyzing coordination dynamics within adoption.
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We analyze temporal correlations in activation as they emerge in networks.
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We show that homogenous networks are more conducive to large-scale coordination.
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The social influence parameter needs to reach a critical value for coordination to emerge.
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The critical value that allows large-scale coordination changes across network topologies.
Abstract
Demonstrations, protests, riots, and shifts in public opinion respond to the coordinating potential of communication networks. Digital technologies have turned interpersonal networks into massive, pervasive structures that constantly pulsate with information. Here, we propose a model that aims to analyze the contagion dynamics that emerge in networks when repeated activation is allowed, that is, when actors can engage recurrently in a collective effort. We analyze how the structure of communication networks impacts on the ability to coordinate actors, and we identify the conditions under which large-scale coordination is more likely to emerge.