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arXiv · 2602.18088

Beyond Individual Influence: The Role of Echo Chambers and Community Seeding in the Multilayer three state q-Voter Model

Igor Hołowacz·Piotr Bródka
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Abstract

The diffusion of complex opinions is severely hindered in multilayer social networks by echo chambers and cognitive consistency mechanisms. We investigate Influence Maximization strategies within the 3-state multilayer q-voter model. Utilizing the mABCD benchmark, we simulate social environments ranging from integrated Open Worlds to segregated Fortress Worlds. Our results reveal a topological paradox that we term the "Fortress Trap". In highly modular networks, strategies maximizing local density such as Clique Influence Maximization (CIM) and k-Shell fail to trigger global cascades, creating isolated bunkers of consensus due to the Overkill Effect. Furthermore, we identify a Redundancy Trap in perfectly aligned Clan topologies, where the structural overlap of layers creates a "Perfect Prison," rendering it the most resistant environment to diffusion. We demonstrate that VoteRank, a strategy that prioritizes diversity of reach over local intensity, consistently outperforms structure-based methods. These findings suggest that, for complex contagion, maximizing topological entropy is more effective than reinforcing local clusters.

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Igor Hołowacz, Piotr Bródka. 2026-02-20. Beyond Individual Influence: The Role of Echo Chambers and Community Seeding in the Multilayer three state q-Voter Model. https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.18088

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