Optimal control of a rumor spreading model in online social networks based on a spectral method and pufferfish optimizer

چکیده مقاله

This paper investigates an optimal control framework for reducing rumor spread in online social networks. Three intervention strategies-public awareness campaigns, government policy influence, and targeted network interventions are considered to minimize the number of exposed, highly influential, and ordinarily influential individuals. To efficiently solve the resulting optimal control problem, we employ a spectral discretization technique and a metaheuristic optimization approach. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the combined application of the proposed strategies significantly reduces rumor propagation and enhances public awareness in online social environments. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025.