Talk with Vito Latora: Dynamical processes in systems with higher order interactions

Vito Latora

Title

Dynamical Processes in systems with higher order interactions.

Abstract

Complex networks have been successfully used to describe the spread of diseases in populations of interacting individuals. Conversely, pairwise interactions are often not enough to characterise social contagion processes, such as the formation of opinions or the adoption of novelties in social systems, all cases where more complex mechanisms of influence and reinforcement are at work. I will first present a higher-order model of social contagion in which a social system is represented by a simplicial complex and contagion can occur through interactions in groups of different sizes [1].

The model shows the emergence of a discontinuous phase transition, a novel phenomenon induced by the presence of higher-order interactions, and of a bistable region where healthy and endemic states co-exist. This result can have practical implications, because it can help explaining why critical masses are required to initiate social changes.

I will then discuss other examples of significant effects of higher-order interactions in social processes, showing how interactions in groups of different sizes

affects the evolution of cooperation [2,3] or the stability of synchronised states in simplicial complexes of coupled dynamical systems [4]

Online participation

If you are unable to join the lecture physically you can participate online by following this zoom-link: https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/j/64030382673?pwd=dHc4Ym1IbW8zdnYyQlljak1iTkNXdz09 

Passcode: 487301.

Bio

Vito Latora is Professor of Applied Mathematics, Chair of Complex Systems and Head of the Complex Systems and Networks Group at the School of Mathematical Sciences of Queen Mary University of London. He is also Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Catania and External Faculty of the Complexity Science Hub of Vienna. His research deals with several aspects of complex systems, from fundamental aspects of their structure and dynamics to interdisciplinary applications integrating physics and mathematics with social and biological sciences.

Vito's recent interests are in modelling dynamical processes on multiplex and temporal networks, and on higher-order structures, such as simplicial complexes and hypergraphs.

Vito is currently collaborating with neuroscientists and anthropologists to understanding the network components of creativity, innovation and success.

References

[1] Lacopini, L., Petri, G., Barrat, A. & Latora, V. 2019. "Simplicial models of social contagion". Nat Commun 10, 2485. DOi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-10431-6

[2] Alvarez-Rodriguez, U., Battiston, F., de Arruda, G.F. et al. 2021. "Evolutionary dynamics of higher-order interactions in social networks". Nat Hum Behav 5, 586–595. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-020-01024-1

[3] Civilini, A., Sadakar O., Battiston F. et al. 2023. "Explosive cooperation in social dilemmas on higher-order networks". DOI: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2303.11475

[4] Gambuzza, L.V., Di Patti, F., Gallo, L. et al. 2021. "Stability of synchronization in simplicial complexes". Nat Commun 12, 1255. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21486-9