mlsanityData to 14 Oct 2026

Generative Agent-Based Modeling: Unveiling Social System Dynamics through Coupling Mechanistic Models with Generative Artificial Intelligence

arXiv 2309.11456 ↗First posted 20 Sep 2023cs.AI cs.LG cs.MAcited by 19

On the map: LLM agents and tool use → Social simulation and multi-agent debate

Abstract (arXiv)

We discuss the emerging new opportunity for building feedback-rich computational models of social systems using generative artificial intelligence. Referred to as Generative Agent-Based Models (GABMs), such individual-level models utilize large language models such as ChatGPT to represent human decision-making in social settings. We provide a GABM case in which human behavior can be incorporated in simulation models by coupling a mechanistic model of human interactions with a pre-trained large language model. This is achieved by introducing a simple GABM of social norm diffusion in an organization. For educational purposes, the model is intentionally kept simple. We examine a wide range of scenarios and the sensitivity of the results to several changes in the prompt. We hope the article and the model serve as a guide for building useful diffusion models that include realistic human reasoning and decision-making.

Key facts. Cited by 19 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Placed in Social simulation and multi-agent debate, one of 16 directions in LLM agents and tool use. Builds on 13 of its 70 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 20 Sep 2023.

Builds on

13 of 70 references.

Closest ancestors · 3

Same direction, newest first

  1. 2023Epidemic Modeling with Generative Agents11 Jul
  2. 2023Generative Agents: Interactive Simulacra of Human Behavior7 Apr
  3. 2023Blind Judgement: Agent-Based Supreme Court Modelling With GPT12 Jan

Other references · 10

  1. 2023A Survey on Large Language Model based Autonomous Agentscited by 2,242
  2. 2022Large Language Models Encode Clinical Knowledgecited by 1,830
  3. 2022Out of One, Many: Using Language Models to Simulate Human Samplescited by 752
  4. 2022Social Simulacra: Creating Populated Prototypes for Social Computing Systemscited by 301
  5. 2023Can Large Language Models Transform Computational Social Science?cited by 250
  6. 2023S3: Social-network Simulation System with Large Language Model-Empowered Agentscited by 233
  7. 2023A Comprehensive Survey of AI-Generated Content (AIGC): A History of Generative AI from GAN to ChatGPTcited by 224
  8. 2023Playing repeated games with Large Language Modelscited by 217
  9. 2023Emergent autonomous scientific research capabilities of large language modelscited by 132
  10. 2023Understanding the Benefits and Challenges of Using Large Language Model-based Conversational Agents for Mental Well-being Supportcited by 75

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Cited by year (2026 to 14 Oct)

Citing papers per year: 2023: 1; 2024: 9; 2025: 5; 2026: 4.

19 papers.

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  1. 2024Large Language Model based Multi-Agents: A Survey of Progress and Challengescited by 769
  2. 2024Chain of Agents: Large Language Models Collaborating on Long-Context Taskscited by 206
  3. 2024From Individual to Society: A Survey on Social Simulation Driven by Large Language Model-based Agentscited by 82
  4. 2025Do as We Do, Not as You Think: the Conformity of Large Language Modelscited by 53
  5. 2024BattleAgent: Multi-modal Dynamic Emulation on Historical Battles to Complement Historical Analysiscited by 20
  6. 2025Simulating Cooperative Prosocial Behavior with Multi-Agent LLMs: Evidence and Mechanisms for AI Agents to Inform Policy Decisionscited by 20
  7. 2023Smart Agent-Based Modeling: On the Use of Large Language Models in Computer Simulationscited by 11
  8. 2025Emergent Coordinated Behaviors in Networked LLM Agents: Modeling the Strategic Dynamics of Information Operationscited by 6
  9. 2024TravelAgent: Generative Agents in the Built Environmentcited by 5
  10. 2024Broadening Access to Simulations for End-Users via Large Language Models: Challenges and Opportunitiescited by 4
  11. 2024ITCMA: A Generative Agent Based on a Computational Consciousness Structurecited by 3
  12. 2024Synthetic Participatory Planning of Shard Automated Electric Mobility Systemscited by 3
7 more
  1. 2025Assessing the Potential of Generative Agents in Crowdsourced Fact-Checkingcited by 3
  2. 2024Intelligent Computing Social Modeling and Methodological Innovations in Political Science in the Era of Large Language Modelscited by 1
  3. 2025AgentDynEx: Nudging the Mechanics and Dynamics of Multi-Agent Simulationscited by 1
  4. 2026Synonymix: Unified Group Personas for Generative Simulationscited by 0
  5. 2026Evaluating multimodal emotion recognition in proactive conversational agents: A user studycited by 0
  6. 2026LLM-powered reasoning in agent-based modelingcited by 0
  7. 2026Prompt Sensitivity of Generative Agents: Evidence from an Epidemic Modelcited by 0

Similar, not cited

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  1. 2025Do Large Language Models Solve the Problems of Agent-Based Modeling? A Critical Review of Generative Social Simulations
  2. 2025AgentSociety: Large-Scale Simulation of LLM-Driven Generative Agents Advances Understanding of Human Behaviors and Society
  3. 2025Don't Trust Generative Agents to Mimic Communication on Social Networks Unless You Benchmarked their Empirical Realism
  4. 2024Sense and Sensitivity: Evaluating the simulation of social dynamics via Large Language Models
  5. 2026From Who They Are to How They Act: Behavioral Traits in Generative Agent-Based Models of Social Media
  6. 2026Social Simulations: from Agent-Based Modeling to Digital Twins
  7. 2025Simulating Society Requires Simulating Thought
  8. 2024Agent-Based Modelling Meets Generative AI in Social Network Simulations