DIFFUSION OF INFORMATION IN A SOCIAL GROUP.

A generalized model of diffusion of information in a closed, homogeneously mixing population of size N is considered. Apart from the provision of mass-mediated and interactively mediated messages and the possibility of spontaneous loss of interest, the model allows for the possibility of the process being stifled by a section of the people who possess the information but do not propagate it; they rather hinder the process by turning off the spreaders that come in their contact. The master equation for the model is set up and both deterministic and stochastic aspects of the stable, steady-state solution of the problem are analyzed. Existing models, such as the Kermack-McKendrick model, the Daley-Kendall model and the Bartholomew model, are retrieved as special cases. Several new features of the process emerging from our generalization are discussed and a special model displaying critical behavior is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]