Imagine having a perfect digital copy of a social network where you can test changes without affecting real people. It is like a flight simulator for social media, letting you see if a new rule stops people from arguing or creates a bubble. By playing out different scenarios, you can predict how a real community will react before you actually launch a feature.
Social network operators cannot predict how changing an algorithm will affect user polarization without risking real-world instability. There is no standard method to test these design choices in a safe, controlled environment.
A modular first version of a digital twin for online social networks (TWON) that allows for counterfactual simulation of design choices.
If you are a platform operator dealing with extreme user polarization — this project developed a digital twin that allows you to test how changing design parameters affects echo chambers. You can run counterfactual simulations to see if a different algorithm reduces harmful debate before deploying it to millions.
If you are a compliance consultancy dealing with new EU digital laws — this project developed an empirical method to provide evidence-based recommendations for regulatory innovations. This helps you prove whether a platform's design choices are meeting democratic standards.
If you are a communications firm dealing with viral misinformation during crises — this project developed a simulation tool tested on COVID-19 and Ukraine conflict data. It helps you understand how information spreads in controlled environments to better manage public health or political messaging.
Based on available project data, no pricing or cost structures have been disclosed as this is a research-funded project.
The project focuses on creating a modular infrastructure for digital twins of social networks, but based on available project data, the current scale is limited to two specific case studies.
Based on available project data, there is no specific information regarding IP ownership or licensing terms for the TWON method.
The project produces evidence-based recommendations for regulatory innovations to reduce the detrimental effects of platforms optimized for economic gain.
The project period runs from 2023-04-01 to 2026-03-31, suggesting the final results will be available by March 2026.
The consortium consists of 9 partners across 4 countries (DE, NL, RS, SI). It is heavily weighted toward research and academia, with 3 universities and 4 research organizations. Only 11% of the consortium is industrial (1 SME), indicating the project is currently driven by scientific validation rather than immediate commercial productization.
Contact Universiteit van Amsterdam regarding the TWON digital twin modular infrastructure.
Contact us to find out how to integrate digital twin simulations into your platform compliance strategy.
