Fear and Social Pressure Are 'Overarming' the U.S.
6 hours ago
- #social networks
- #game theory
- #gun ownership
- A Dartmouth study uses evolutionary game theory to explain 'overarming,' where collective firearm ownership costs exceed individual benefits, leading to a misalignment between personal and societal interests.
- The model shows that as more people arm themselves, the perceived threat increases, creating a feedback loop that drives others to buy guns for protection, similar to the nuclear arms race strategy of MAD.
- The research highlights that the fear of being unarmed in confrontations can push gun ownership beyond socially optimal levels, even if individuals do not intrinsically want or need a gun.
- Social networks play a crucial role, with connectivity patterns potentially either amplifying fear or reducing overarming, depending on the environment and perceived risks.
- The study suggests that public information campaigns and targeted interventions within social networks could help break the cycle of fear and reduce overarming by aligning individual rationality with societal benefits.