Hybrid Control Strategy for Rumor Spread in Social Networks

Haiyan Zi, Shixing Wu, Kaixin Wu

Abstract: To address the rampant spread of rumors in society, this study investigates control strategies for rumor propagation on social networks and proposes a hybrid control strategy rumor propagation model (IS2TRB) incorporating protective and blocking measures. Additionally, an optimal control model is developed to maximize the control of rumor propagation while minimizing control costs. Theoretical analyses regarding the existence and uniqueness of optimal control are provided. Numerical simulations validate that implementing optimal control incurs lower costs compared to hybrid control strategies, single protective strategies, and single blocking strategies. This approach effectively reduces the scale of rumor propagation, offering a robust strategy reference for combating the issue of rumor dissemination.