A simple epidemiological model of infectious disease shows how riots can spread. Rioting, infectious disease, and even fake news all have two things in common: An "infectious agent" (an idea or a virus) and a receptive audience. Thus, infection models can be used to describe group behavior.

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A simple epidemiological model of infectious disease shows how riots can spread. Rioting, infectious disease, and even fake news all have two things in common: An "infectious agent" (an idea or a virus) and a receptive audience. Thus, infection models can be used to describe group behavior.