An extended SEIR model considering homepage effect for the information propagation of online social networks

In this work we extend the SEIR model as in epidemic disease modeling to investigate the propagation dynamics of the information online. Here, we go one step further and takes the homepage effect into consideration, acting as the infectious sources in infectious diseases. Aside of the mathematical analysis, the results of simulation also show some managerial insights that are helpful for controlling the information spread. Furthermore, a case study, usingthe information propagation data in Digg.com, is carried out to examine the effectiveness of two propagation models. Our study could be a starting point for developing a more realistic model about the online propagation dynamics of multiple messages.