Opinion dynamics coupled to network rewiring: fragmentation vs. consensus
The adaptive voter model couples opinion dynamics to network structure: with probability φ, a discordant agent rewires away from the disagreeing neighbor (homophily); with probability 1−φ, they copy the neighbor's opinion. This creates a phase transition: for φ < φ_c, opinions eventually consensus; for φ > φ_c, the network fragments into two homophilic camps — a model of political polarization and echo chambers.