Dynamics of a rumor‐spreading model with diversity of configurations in scale‐free networks

In this paper, we propose a new rumor‐spreading model, which is a variant of the susceptible–exposed–infectious–removed epidemic model. We consider the influences of the diversity of configurations as a defense strategy to diminish the damage brought by rumor diffusion. The diversity of configuration can be found in different instant messengers or social networks. Moreover, we apply two kinds of the rumor immunization strategies such as random immunization and targeted immunization and show that targeted immunization is better than random immunization for rumor‐spreading control in scale‐free networks. We carry out the systematic analysis of the model and study the local and global stability of rumor‐free equilibrium. In the proposed model, we introduce two new states, namely, hibernator and stifler2, to study dynamical behaviors of the model. The proposed model combines both targeted immunization and diversity of configuration to prevent rumor spreading. By numerical simulations, we indicate that our model is appreciably better than other models in terms of declining the rumor diffusion speed. Furthermore, we investigate many related dynamic properties to make the result more complete. Simulation results show the effect of different parameters on the rumor diffusion in scale‐free networks; meanwhile, numerical simulations confirm the theoretical solution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.