social dilemma
A social dilemma occurs when individuals prioritize their own interests over the common good, leading to negative outcomes for the group. Essentially, while everyone may benefit from cooperation, the temptation to act in one’s self-interest can create issues, such as resource depletion or environmental harm. Classic examples include overfishing, pollution, and public goods like clean air. In these situations, while it may be rational for one individual to exploit resources for personal gain, if everyone does the same, it ultimately harms everyone involved. Addressing social dilemmas often requires collaboration, trust, and effective policies.
Additional Insights
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A social dilemma occurs when individual interests clash with the collective good. In such situations, people face a choice: act in their own self-interest or contribute to the well-being of the group. This often leads to negative outcomes for everyone if individuals prioritize personal gain over cooperation. Common examples include overfishing, pollution, or the misuse of public resources, where short-term benefits for individuals harm long-term sustainability for all. Addressing social dilemmas typically requires strategies to encourage cooperation and align personal incentives with collective goals.