Social Dilemma Theory

Social Dilemma Theory explores situations where individual self-interest conflicts with the collective good. It highlights how people often prioritize personal benefits over what’s best for the community, leading to negative outcomes for everyone involved. For example, in environmental issues, individuals may choose to pollute for convenience, disregarding the harm it causes to society. This theory emphasizes the challenge of balancing personal desires with the needs of the group, encouraging discussions about cooperation, resource management, and creating systems that promote collective well-being while aligning individual incentives with community goals.