The Evolution of Trust
An interactive guide to the game theory of trust: why we cooperate, why we betray, and how forgiveness changes everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is The Evolution of Trust?
It's an interactive, game-based explanation of how trust and cooperation can emerge (or collapse) in repeated interactions.
Do I need any prior knowledge of game theory?
No. The simulations are designed to be intuitive and explain concepts step by step.
What will I learn from it?
You'll learn why cooperation can be rational, how betrayal spreads, and how strategies like forgiveness can restore stable trust.
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About The Evolution of Trust
The Evolution of Trust is an interactive explorable explanation of the game theory behind cooperation. Through simple simulations, you can see how different strategies perform over time and why trust is both fragile and powerful.
Play through scenarios to build intuition about repeated interactions, incentives, and how reputation and forgiveness can stabilize cooperation.
What is Game Theory?
Game theory is the study of mathematical models of strategic interaction among rational decision-makers. It helps us understand how trust evolves in a society where individuals act in their own self-interest.
The Rules of the Game
You have one choice. In front of you is a machine: if you put a coin in the machine, the other player gets three coins – and vice versa. You both can either choose to COOPERATE (put in coin), or CHEAT (don't put in coin).
The Players
Copycat
Hello! I start with Cooperate, and afterwards, I just copy whatever you did in the last round. Meow
Always Cheat
the strong shall eat the weak
Always Cooperate
Let's be best friends! <3
Grudger
Listen, pardner. I'll start cooperatin', and keep cooperatin', but if y'all ever cheat me, I'LL CHEAT YOU BACK 'TIL THE END OF TARNATION.
Detective
First: I analyze you. I start: Cooperate, Cheat, Cooperate, Cooperate. If you cheat back, I'll act like Copycat. If you never cheat back, I'll act like Always Cheat, to exploit you. Elementary, my dear Watson.
Copykitten
Hello! I'm like Copycat, except I Cheat back only after you Cheat me twice in a row. After all, the first one could be a mistake! Purrrrr
Simpleton
hi i try start cooperate. if you cooperate back, i do same thing as last move, even if it mistake. if you cheat back, i do opposite thing as last move, even if it mistake.
Random
Monkey robot! Ninja pizza tacos! lol i'm so random (Just plays Cheat or Cooperate randomly with a 50/50 chance)
Further Reading on Psychology
References
- Axelrod, R. (1984). The evolution of cooperation. Basic Books.
- Nowak, M. A. (2006). Five rules for the evolution of cooperation. Science, 314(5805), 1560-1563.
- Schelling, T. C. (1960). The Strategy of Conflict. Harvard University Press.
- Case, N. (2017). The Evolution of Trust. https://ncase.me/trust/
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About This Experiment
This experiment is an educational adaptation for demonstration purposes. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool. Results reflect your performance in this specific session and should not be interpreted as an assessment of your cognitive abilities.
Data Privacy
Your experiment data is processed and stored locally in your browser. No data is uploaded to any server unless you explicitly export it.
