Generative agent-based modeling: an introduction and tutorial

Abstract

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 to represent human decision-making in social settings. We provide a GABM case in which human behavior can be incorporated into 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 dynamic models of various social systems that include realistic human reasoning and decision-making. © 2024 System Dynamics Society.