The Evolution of Competition
February 7, 2017·0 comments·game theory
The nature of social competition has shifted in recent years, and most people haven't noticed the change. What once worked as a strategy for success, cooperation and reasonableness, now signals weakness in the games that matter most. The same patterns that are fracturing national politics are fracturing families and friendships, and understanding why requires recognizing which game is actually being played.
• The rules of cooperation have flipped depending on the game. In some repeated interactions, being cooperative builds reputation and wins long-term. In others, especially games where swerving first means you're a coward, cooperation destroys your identity and invites future exploitation.
• We're playing Chicken now instead of Prisoner's Dilemma. The old game theory frameworks that promised cooperation would win don't apply when the game itself changes. In Chicken, the rational move is to appear willing to crash.
• We're projecting the same meaning of cooperation onto others when they're playing entirely different games. Two people can vote the same way for completely different reasons. One votes as identity affirmation, one votes as pragmatic choice. Yet we assume the same stakes and meaning apply to both.
• The competitive virus spreads downward from national politics to families and friendships. Once "mean" strategies are introduced into a social structure, they don't reverse themselves. The infection hops easily from big tribes to small ones.
• The ringleaders profit from convincing you that every interaction is existential. They work continuously to make you believe every action by the opposing side is an outrage or a constitutional crisis, which justifies responding with the same intensity and closes off space for recognizing when a cigar is just a cigar.
Subscribe Today to Read More
Unlock instant access to this and hundreds of other evergreen essays that explore the world of narrative through hard science and human wisdom.
- Make more informed decisions as an investor and citizen.
- See through the nudges of Big Politics and Big Media.
- Become a better consumer of news.
- Maintain your autonomy of mind in a swarm of narratives.
- Join a community of more than 100,000 truth-seekers.
Looking for Deeper Insights?
Unlock exclusive market intelligence, trade ideas, and member-only events tailored for investment professionals and active investors with Perscient Pro.
VISIT PRO
DISCLOSURES
This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
Comments
Start the discussion at the Epsilon Theory Forum...