Deception as the best policy in game theory in the dating world.

Kristina Youmaran Sat May 09, 2009 6:47 pm

http://www.chicagomaroon.com/2004/3/12/a-treatise-on-dating-the-prisoners-dilemma

Above is a link to a article for the Chicago Maroon. In this article, the writer compares game theory (the Prisoners Dilemma) to the dating world.

The players are the students (he's examining a school setting). The points are the player's "exclusivity". The reward system works as follows: Girls brag to other girls about how many guys hit on them, while guys brag about how many girls they've turned down. Also, girls talk to other girls about their failures in attracting a guy, and vice-versa. When both people show an interest in each other, they win. When they don't, nothing changes. However, when one person shows interest, and one person turns them down, there is a gain and loss happening.

"For both parties, there are two options (assuming both are interested)deception or truth. Since neither can know if the other is definitely interested, interaction has the following result matrix: "Truth" on the part of one player and "deception" on the part of the other player will lead to heightened exclusivity for the second player, who will return to his/her peer group and brag about the failed attempt by the other party, thus increasing their exclusivity. Truth from both parties will lead to a positive interaction, such as getting his/her number. Deception will yield the status quo."

In the end, the best choice is to do nothing and not show interest (deception).