Opinion dynamics

Opinion dynamics is the study of how people's beliefs and attitudes change and influence each other over time within a social group. It explores how individual opinions evolve through conversation, social interactions, and exposure to new information, often leading to consensus, disagreement, or polarization. Using mathematical models and simulations, researchers analyze patterns of opinion formation, the impact of social networks, and factors that drive collective decision-making. This understanding helps explain societal trends, political shifts, and how ideas spread or fade within communities.