Emergence of condensation patterns in kinetic equations for opinion dynamics

In this work, we define a class of models to understand the impact of population size on opinion formation dynamics, a phenomenon usually related to group conformity. To this end, we introduce a new kinetic model in which the interaction frequency is weighted by the kinetic density. In the quasi-invariant regime, this model reduces to a Kaniadakis–Quarati-type equation with nonlinear drift, originally introduced for the dynamics of bosons in a spatially homogeneous setting. From the obtained PDE for the evolution of the opinion density, we determine the regime of parameters for which a critical mass exists and triggers blow-up of the solution. Therefore, the model is capable of describing strong conformity phenomena in cases where the total density of individuals holding a given opinion exceeds a fixed critical size. In the final part, several numerical experiments demonstrate the features of the introduced class of models and the related consensus effects. • Impact of population size on opinion dynamics and group conformity is explored. • New kinetic model links the interaction frequency with the kinetic density. • The model reduces to a Kaniadakis–Quarati-type equation in a specific regime. • Identified the critical mass that causes blow-up, showing strong conformity. • Numerical experiments reveal consensus effects in the new model.