Beyond Individual Influence: The Role of Echo Chambers and Community Seeding in the Multilayer three state q-Voter Model

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Authors: Igor Hołowacz, Piotr Bródka
Cited by: 0

Abstract

The diffusion of complex opinions is severely hindered in multilayer social networks by echo chambers and cognitive consistency mechanisms. We investigate Influence Maximization strategies within the 3-state multilayer q-voter model. Utilizing the mABCD benchmark, we simulate social environments ranging from integrated Open Worlds to segregated Fortress Worlds. Our results reveal a topological paradox that we term the "Fortress Trap". In highly modular networks, strategies maximizing local density such as Clique Influence Maximization (CIM) and k-Shell fail to trigger global cascades, creating isolated bunkers of consensus due to the Overkill Effect. Furthermore, we identify a Redundancy Trap in perfectly aligned Clan topologies, where the structural overlap of layers creates a "Perfect Prison," rendering it the most resistant environment to diffusion. We demonstrate that VoteRank, a strategy that prioritizes diversity of reach over local intensity, consistently outperforms structure-based methods. These findings suggest that, for complex contagion, maximizing topological entropy is more effective than reinforcing local clusters.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence Complex Network Analysis Techniques Social Media and Politics

Publication details

Journal / source
arXiv (Cornell University)
Publication date
20 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Preprint