EMOTIONAL STRATEGIES AS CATALYSTS FOR COOPERATION IN SIGNED NETWORKS

Authored by Simone Righi, Karoly Takacs

Date Published: 2014-03

DOI: 10.1142/s0219525914500118

Sponsors: Hungarian Academy of Sciences

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Pseudocode

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

The evolution of unconditional cooperation is one of the fundamental problems in science. A new solution is proposed to solve this puzzle. We treat this issue with an evolutionary model in which agents play the Prisoner's Dilemma on signed networks. The topology is allowed to co-evolve with relational signs as well as with agent strategies. We introduce a strategy that is conditional on the emotional content embedded in network signs. We show that this strategy acts as a catalyst and creates favorable conditions for the spread of unconditional cooperation. In line with the literature, we found evidence that the evolution of cooperation most likely occurs in networks with relatively high chances of rewiring and with low likelihood of strategy adoption. While a low likelihood of rewiring enhances cooperation, a very high likelihood seems to limit its diffusion. Furthermore, unlike in nonsigned networks, cooperation becomes more prevalent in denser topologies.

Tags

Agent-based models Evolution of cooperation negative ties network dynamics signed graphs