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Understanding Societal Behavior Through Game Theory and Ennui
Game theory reveals important insights about societal behavior, indicating that 20% of individuals are consistently altruistic, contributing even against their self-interest, while another 20% actively seek to exploit situations to their advantage. The majority, comprising 60%, tend to conform to group norms, demonstrating a significant influence of social consensus on individual actions. For example, if community attitudes shift on an issue, such as displaying signs in front of houses, participation rates change dramatically. This reflects a broader societal ennui, characterized by disconnection and uncertainty. Many people lack clarity regarding their desires and actions due to a collective mental state that seems trapped in the past, reminiscent of 2010. This disconnect contributes to a perceived dystopian reality, where people struggle to recognize the magnitude of social and historical changes, akin to the tumultuous shifts seen in past revolutionary movements. The current period can be likened to a critical buildup of societal tensions, where significant changes can occur rapidly, often catching individuals off guard, similar to historical events like World War I or the fall of the Soviet Union.