# Agent-based simulation of online social networks and disinformation

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.22082 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.22082/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 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 28 of its 71 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 26 Dec 2025.

## Placed in

- LLM agents and tool use / [Social simulation and multi-agent debate](https://mlsanity.com/agents/social-simulation-and-multi-agent-debate/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 28 of 28)

- [Sentence-BERT: Sentence Embeddings using Siamese BERT-Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1908.10084/) (2019)
- [Generative Agents: Interactive Simulacra of Human Behavior](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.03442/) (2023)
- [Billion-scale similarity search with GPUs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1702.08734/) (2017)
- [A Survey on Large Language Model based Autonomous Agents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.11432/) (2023)
- [Voyager: An Open-Ended Embodied Agent with Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.16291/) (2023)
- [A Survey on Evaluation of Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.03109/) (2023)
- [A Survey on the Memory Mechanism of Large Language Model based Agents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.13501/) (2024)
- [LLMs-as-Judges: A Comprehensive Survey on LLM-based Evaluation Methods](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.05579/) (2024)
- [Social Simulacra: Creating Populated Prototypes for Social Computing Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2208.04024/) (2022)
- [AgentSociety: Large-Scale Simulation of LLM-Driven Generative Agents Advances Understanding of Human Behaviors and Society](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.08691/) (2025)
- [OASIS: Open Agent Social Interaction Simulations with One Million Agents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.11581/) (2024)
- [X-Teaming: Multi-Turn Jailbreaks and Defenses with Adaptive Multi-Agents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.13203/) (2025)
- [Emergent social conventions and collective bias in LLM populations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.08948/) (2024)
- [LLM Social Simulations Are a Promising Research Method](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.02234/) (2025)
- [From Individual to Society: A Survey on Social Simulation Driven by Large Language Model-based Agents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.03563/) (2024)
- [Lyfe Agents: Generative agents for low-cost real-time social interactions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.02172/) (2023)
- [Y Social: an LLM-powered Social Media Digital Twin](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.00818/) (2024)
- [Network Formation and Dynamics Among Multi-LLMs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.10659/) (2024)
- [MOSAIC: Modeling Social AI for Content Dissemination and Regulation in Multi-Agent Simulations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.07830/) (2025)
- [Agent-Based Modelling Meets Generative AI in Social Network Simulations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.16031/) (2024)
- [Simulating Rumor Spreading in Social Networks using LLM Agents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.01450/) (2025)
- [Forewarned is Forearmed: A Survey on Large Language Model-based Agents in Autonomous Cyberattacks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.12786/) (2025)
- [Just Another Day on Twitter: A Complete 24 Hours of Twitter Data](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2301.11429/) (2023)
- [Characterizing LLM-driven Social Network: The Chirper.ai Case](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.10286/) (2025)
- [Understanding Types of Users on Twitter](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1406.1335/) (2014)
- [Simulating Influence Dynamics with LLM Agents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.08709/) (2025)
- [Synthetic generation of online social networks through homophily](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.02762/) (2025)
- [Frameworks, Modeling and Simulations of Misinformation and Disinformation: A Systematic Literature Review](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2406.09343/) (2024)

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Evaluating the Realism of LLM-powered Social Agents: A Case Study of Reactions to Spanish Online News](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.28598/) (2026)
- [Execution and assessment of agentic influence operations in simulated social networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.28725/) (2026)
- [Should LLM Agents Decide in Social Simulations? Comparing Finite-State and LLM-Based Decision Policies](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.12369/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Research on online social networks (OSNs) is often hindered by platform opacity, limited access to data, and ethical constraints. Simulation offer a valuable alternative, but existing frameworks frequently lack realism and explainability. This paper presents a simulation framework that models synthetic social networks with agents endowed with demographic-based personality traits and finite-state behavioral automata, enabling realistic and interpretable actions. A generative module powered by a large language model (LLM) produces context-aware social media posts consistent with each agent's profile and memory. In parallel, a red module implements DISARM-inspired workflows to orchestrate disinformation campaigns executed by malicious agents targeting simulated audiences. A Mastodon-based visualization layer supports real-time inspection and post-hoc validation of agent activity within a familiar interface. We evaluate the resulting synthetic social networks using topological metrics and LLM-based content assessments, demonstrating structural, behavioral, and linguistic realism. Overall, the framework enables the creation of customizable and controllable social network environments for studying information dynamics and the effects of disinformation.