opinion-diffusion-sim is an interactive app that shows how opinions spread in social networks. It uses two languages: one to build the network of people and another to control how opinions change over time. This tool helps you explore social behavior visually, with no need to write code.
The simulator is good for anyone curious about how ideas move through groups. You will see how different network shapes and rules affect the spread of ideas.
Before downloading, make sure your Windows PC meets these requirements:
- Windows 10 or later (64-bit recommended)
- At least 4 GB of RAM
- 500 MB free disk space
- Internet connection to download the app
- A modern web browser (for optional online help and tutorials)
This app runs directly on your PC without needing extra software.
Follow these steps to get the simulator up and running on your Windows computer.
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Click the big green Download Latest Release button at the top or visit this link:
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On the releases page, find the latest version. Look for a file named something like
opinion-diffusion-sim-setup.exe. -
Click the setup file to download it. The file size is about 50 MB.
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When the download finishes, open the file. Windows may ask if you trust the app—select Run.
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Follow the on-screen instructions in the installer. Choose where to install the app or leave the default location.
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Once the installation completes, find the opinion-diffusion-sim icon on your desktop or Start menu and click to launch.
When you open opinion-diffusion-sim, you will see a simple user interface made for exploring networks.
- Network Generation: Build or load social networks. You can pick from preset options like "grid", "random", or "scale-free".
- Opinion Rules: Set how opinions update. Change parameters like update speed or influence strength.
- Run Simulation: Start and pause the spread of opinions. Watch how ideas move through the network nodes.
- Visualization: View colored nodes that represent different opinions. Use zoom and drag to explore the network.
- Save & Load: Save your network and settings to files to revisit later.
Everything works with easy menus and buttons. There is no need to know any programming or command lines.
- Interactive graph visualization of social networks
- Customizable network structures and sizes
- Multiple ways to define opinion updates
- Real-time simulation controls: start, pause, reset
- Export your results as images or data files
- Supports large networks, up to thousands of nodes
- Clear graphical display with color-coded opinions
- Built on reliable, fast TypeScript codebase for smooth use
The app brings complex social science ideas into a tool anyone can use.
Help is available if you need it.
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A built-in tutorial guides you through network creation and running simulations.
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The app contains basic explanations of terms and controls.
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Visit the release page or project GitHub for release notes, FAQs, and updates:
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Common issues and fixes are listed in the GitHub discussions section.
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Contact support through the GitHub issues tab if you find a bug or need help.
- If the installer does not run, right-click it and select Run as administrator.
- The app needs permission to open network connections; allow these when prompted.
- If the visual display is slow or unresponsive, try closing other apps to free memory.
- Restart your computer if the app fails to launch after installation.
- Update your Windows system and graphics drivers for best performance.
Explore topics related to opinion-diffusion-sim:
- Agent-Based Modeling: Represent individuals in simulations.
- Complex Systems: Study how parts interact to produce behavior.
- Network Science: Analyze structure and function of graphs.
- Opinion Dynamics: Understand how ideas spread and change.
- Simulation: Run virtual experiments on social processes.
These keywords summarize what the app covers and links it to broader research areas.
Use this direct link to visit the release page and get started:
Look for the latest setup file, download it, and follow the steps above to install.