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Manuel Castells
USC Annenberg School for Communication
Larry Gross
USC Annenberg School for Communication
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University of Alabama
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University of Michigan
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Annenberg/ University of Pennsylvania
Kathleen Hall Jamieson
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Robin Elizabeth Mansell
London School of Economics
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N. Bhaskara Rao
Centre for Media Studies, New Delhi
Ellen Seiter
USC Cinematic Arts
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University of Lisbon
Josh Kun
USC Annenberg School
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Chinese University of Hong Kong
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USC Annenberg School
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MIT
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USC Cinematic Arts
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UC San Diego
John Thompson
Cambridge University
Ingrid Volkmer
University of Melbourne
Simon J. Wilkie
USC School of Law
Barbie Zelizer
Annenberg/ University of Pennsylvania
Yuezhi Zhao
Simon Fraser University

University of Southern California

International Journal of Communication, Vol 2 (2008)

Modeling Information Equality: Social and Media Latency Effects on Information Diffusion

Aram Sinnreich, Arul Chib, Jesse Gilbert

Abstract


In this study, we build and test a stochastic, agent-based model of information diffusion, called dFusion. The model incorporates diffusion research and social network analysis into a framework that is consistent with the findings of digital divide and knowledge gap research. Using three separate real-world data sets, our model demonstrates clear causal relationships between social structure, communication network structure, and the degree of "information equality" (relatively equivalent speed of access to salient information) within a given social network. By focusing on differential, rather than absolute, speed of access to information, we hope to create an evaluative framework for information technology investment that accurately and comprehensively predicts the effects of such interventions on social equality.

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