When not to target negative ties? Studying competitive influence maximisation in signed networks

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2502.01905
• Publication Date: 2025-02-03
• Authors: Sukankana Chakrab...; Markus Brede; Sebastian Stein; Ananthram Swami
• Keywords: Strong ties

We explore the influence maximisation problem in networks with negative ties. Where prior work has focused on unsigned networks, we investigate need to consider ties while trying maximise spread a population - particularly under competitive conditions. Given signed network optimise strategies of focal controller, against competing network, using two approaches either controller uses sign-agnostic approach or they factor sign edges optimising their strategy. compare difference vote-shares (or share population) obtained by both these methods determine navigate settings. More specifically, study impact of: (a) topology, (b) resource conditions and (c) competitor vote shares across methodologies. observe that gains are maximum when resources available low avoids Conversely, insignificant irrespective targets indiscriminately. Finally, game-theoretic setting, where simultaneously competitors. Interestingly that, strategising knowledge can occasionally also lead loss vote-shares.