Positive algorithmic bias cannot stop fragmentation in homophilic networks

DOI10.1080/0022250X.2020.1818078MaRDI QIDQ5070525zbMATHOpenAlexWikidataFDO

Authors Chris Blex, Taha Yasseri

Publication date 13 April 2022

Published in The Journal of Mathematical Sociology (Search for Journal in Brave)

Full work available at URL https://arxiv.org/abs/2001.02878

zbMATH Keywords

social networkshomophilyecho chambersalgorithmic biasschelling model

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Social networks; opinion dynamics (91D30)

Abstract: Fragmentation, echo chambers, and their amelioration in social networks have been a growing concern in the academic and non-academic world. This paper shows how, under the assumption of homophily, echo chambers and fragmentation are system-immanent phenomena of highly flexible social networks, even under ideal conditions for heterogeneity. We achieve this by finding an analytical, network-based solution to the Schelling model and by proving that weak ties do not hinder the process. Furthermore, we derive that no level of positive algorithmic bias in the form of rewiring is capable of preventing fragmentation and its effect on reducing the fragmentation speed is negligible.

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Cites work

• A DYNAMIC MODEL OF RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION
• A Schelling model with switching agents: decreasing segregation via random allocation and social mobility
• An analysis of one-dimensional Schelling segregation
• Digital morphogenesis via schelling segregation
• Dynamic models of segregation†
• Emergence of segregation in evolving social networks
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• Fixation in the one-dimensional Axelrod model
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• Unperturbed Schelling segregation in two or three dimensions

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