Louis P., Troumpounis O., Tsakas N. (2017).

Communication and the Emergence of a Unidimensional World. Research Paper.

Abstract:

We provide theoretical and experimental support on the emergence of a unidimensional world through communication. Both theoretical and experimental results suggest that when boundedly rational individuals communicate their opinions over multiple issues, disagreement can eventually be summarized on a unidimensional spectrum, even when imposing very little structure on the communication process. The presence of structured social networks is however crucial in determining whether an individual forms moderate or extreme views.