13 February 2006 - meme propagation

A full model of meme propagation must take into account not only the uptake rate (initial appeal), but also the exposure (is it on TV?) and the retention rate (brainwashing power). The positive feedback in these factors implies that one ideal idea will take over each susceptible population. Where two great memes meet at a boundary, these dynamics lead to a sharp edge between them. In that case, equations predict that the ultimate winner is the side with more Internet bandwidth. What free will?