Speaking of Opinions: Comparing Approaches to Modelling Opinion Manipulation
Optimization and Control
2026-01-13 v1 Physics and Society
Abstract
This review outlines the major approaches to modelling opinion formation and manipulation in mathematics and computer science. Key tools such as ordinary and partial differential equations, stochastic models, control theory, and interaction protocols are introduced and compared as methods for describing manipulation. The review is separated into those models using a continuous opinion space and those using discrete or binary opinions, with the advantages and disadvantages of each discussed. Finally, the authors provide an interdisciplinary perspective on the field of opinion dynamics and its social significance.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2601.07619,
title = {Speaking of Opinions: Comparing Approaches to Modelling Opinion Manipulation},
author = {Luisa Estrada and Sasha Glendinning and Andrew Nugent},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2601.07619},
year = {2026}
}