Blockchain-Enabled Trust Building for Managing Consensus in Linguistic Opinion Dynamics

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2023

Publication Title

IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems

Volume

31

Issue

8

First Page

2722

Keywords

Blockchain technology, linguistic terms, opinion dynamics' models (ODMs), trust building, Z -numbers

Last Page

2733

Abstract

To manage consensus in opinion dynamics models (ODMs), removing bias from agents' interactions and considering their willingness are critical. It can be accomplished by providing a secure mechanism that does not disclose agents' identities and opinions in their interactions, eliminating the impact of opinion similarity on trust building. To build trust and consensus opinion, we propose a linguistic ODM based on the Blockchain technology. This model allows agents' opinions to be expressed using Z-numbers, as opposed to regular ODMs with numerical opinions. Agents are encouraged to modify their initial opinions in response to a minimum cost consensus model. Willingness of agents to accept or refuse the suggested modifications is realized through a Blockchain regime to avoid bias. The regime, however, must be supported by a trust-building mechanism to persuade agents to alter their opinions. To this end, we propose a Blockchain-enabled trust-building mechanism to improve agents' trust and guide them toward a consensus opinion. Following a sensitivity analysis of the underlying assumptions in the developed model, the proposed ODM is tested for its efficiency and validity.

DOI

10.1109/TFUZZ.2023.3235411

ISSN

10636706

E-ISSN

19410034

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