
social dilemmas
Social dilemmas are situations where individual interests conflict with the collective good. Each person has the option to act in their own self-interest, which might lead to negative outcomes for everyone involved. A classic example is the "tragedy of the commons," where overuse of shared resources—like fish in the ocean—can deplete them. Although individuals benefit from exploiting the resource, if everyone does so, it could be destroyed. Resolving social dilemmas often requires cooperation, regulation, or change in personal incentives to encourage choices that benefit the whole group rather than just the individual.
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Social dilemmas are situations where individual interests conflict with the collective good. People may benefit by acting in their own short-term interest, but if everyone does the same, it can lead to negative outcomes for the group, such as environmental degradation or resource depletion. A classic example is the "tragedy of the commons," where shared resources are overused. Addressing social dilemmas often requires cooperation, communication, and sometimes regulation to encourage individuals to consider the long-term benefits of working together rather than prioritizing personal gain.