Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

DOI

10.4018/JGIM.2019100110

Publication Title

Journal of Global Information Management

Volume

27

Issue

4

Pages

189-207

Abstract

The factors that affect formation and dissemination of public opinion have been studied for a long time. However, the findings are disparate and fragmented, given the characteristics of netizens and new media in the Big Data era. To this end, this article introduces eight mechanisms working on formation and dissemination of public opinion on network. Based on system dynamics, this article further proposes a comprehensive causal relationship model to explore the factors affecting the consequence of public opinion on network. Particularly, the role of government is taken into consideration in this model. A simulation with Vensim PLE is conducted. The results of the simulation indicate that group polarization among netizens, opinion leaders, the quantity of media audience, the frequency of media report, government attention, and warning mechanism for public opinion crisis affect the consequence of public opinion on network significantly. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Comments

Copyright © 2019, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited.

Original Publication Citation

Gao, G., Wang, T., Zheng, X., Chen, Y., & Xu, X. (2019). A systems dynamics simulation study of network public opinion evolution mechanism. Journal of Global Information Management, 27(4), 189-207. doi:10.4018/JGIM.2019100110

Share

COinS