Bert Baumgaertner, Department of Philosophy, University of Idaho

The Voter Model and variations of it are used to study the mathematical principles of opinion dynamics. Common aims in this area include the calculation of the probability of reaching consensus, time to consensus, distribution of cluster sizes, etc. We introduce a stochastic spatial agent-based model of opinion dynamics that includes a spectrum of opinion strengths and various possible rules for how the opinion type and strength of one individual affect the influence that individual has on others. Through simulations of the model, we find that even a small amount of amplification of opinion strength through interaction with like-minded neighbors can tip the scales in favor of polarization and dead- lock. Moreover, the spatial patterns that emerge and their dynamics resemble surface tension and motion by mean curvature. While these are also observed in the Threshold Voter Model, their emergence is the result of a very different mechanism. Finally, we compare the time dynamics of our spatial model with an ODE version.