Disorder induced phase transition in kinetic models of opinion dynamics

We propose a model of continuous opinion dynamics, where mutual interactions can be both positive and negative. Different types of distributions for the interactions, all characterized by a single parameter p denoting the fraction of negative interactions, are considered. Results from exact calculation of a discrete version and numerical simulations of the continuous version of the model indicate the existence of a universal continuous phase transition at p = p(c) below which a consensus is reached. Although the order-disorder transition is analogous to a ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition with comparable critical exponents, the model is characterized by some distinctive features relevant to a social system. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.