Influential nodes detection in dynamic social networks: A survey

• Published in: Expert systems with applications 2020-11, Vol.159, p.113642, Article 113642
• Main Authors: Hafiene, Nesrine, Karoui, Wafa, Ben Romdhane, Lotfi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Classification; Dynamic social networks; Influence maximization; Influential nodes; Nodes; Social networks
• ISSN: 0957-4174; 1873-6793
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2020.113642

•This survey highlights the challenges of the influential nodes detection problem.•We organize published approaches into three classifications based on network models.•This survey supports researchers to identify the methods that best fit their needs.•The proposed classification could also helps authors to orient their future research. The influence maximization problem has gained increasing attention in recent years. Previous research focuses on the development of algorithms to analyze static social networks. However, real social networks are not static but they are represented as dynamic networks that evolve across time. Motivated by this drawback, the purpose of this survey is to highlight the characteristics and challenges of the influential nodes detection problem. A classification of published approaches should be proposed. This work is organizing state-of-the-art methods into a technical comparison that are based on network models. Due to the definition of network models and the influential nodes detection problem, this survey will help researchers to find the set of methods best suited for their needs. The proposed classification could also help researchers to select the right direction in which their future research should be oriented.