# Retrospection on the Game Theory

![](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1440/1*6M7ckZsgwWOgLDzKQPj1tQ.png align="left")

*Image from “The Evolution of Trust”*

Playing the interactive game “[The Evolution of Trust](https://ncase.me/trust/)” was a deeply thought-provoking experience, prompting me to examine my own habitual responses in personal and professional interactions.

#### 🤔 The Mirror of Interaction

We often focus on the other player, but what about the “hats” we wear? Our behaviour changes dramatically depending on the situation:

* **The Constant Kindred:** When someone is consistently kind, do I even notice? Do I acknowledge, appreciate, or try to reciprocate that kindness?
    
* **The Perpetual Antagonist:** When someone acts against me, do I try to communicate and understand their motivation, or do I silently stew in resentment?
    
* **The Unpleasant Surprise:** When facing a difficult situation, do I take a moment to process and respond thoughtfully, or do I simply react?
    

I realised that we are not fixed “players,” but rather *we adopt roles* — sometimes the Copycat, other times the Grudger, and occasionally the Detective. Cultivating a *steadfastness in character* — putting our minds to action — is key.

#### 📈 Game Theory and the Real World

In an ideal game theory scenario, where players interact repeatedly, strategies like Copycat (*Tit-for-Tat*) tend to thrive and “win” over time. They begin by cooperating and then simply mirror the opponent’s last move.

However, life is not an ideal scenario.

**Limited Chances:** We often don’t get multiple chances to evaluate and trust a person. One critical error can lead to a huge loss, and this is what immediately breeds distrust.

**The Miscommunication Barrier:** Communication today is riddled with potential errors: a toneless email, a laggy video call, or a vague text message. This makes interactions inherently imperfect.

The game confirms that when **miscommunication is introduced**, the cooperative **Copycat** strategy quickly evolves into a **cycle of mutual cheating**.

#### 📉 The Tipping Point of Miscommunication

The results from “The Evolution of Trust” regarding miscommunication are particularly illuminating:

* **0% Error:** The fair Copycat wins.
    
* **1% to 9% Error:** The slightly more forgiving Copykitten wins (it cooperates even after one slight misstep).
    
* **10% to 49% Error:** The selfish, unforgiving Always Cheat strategy wins.
    
* **50% Error:** Nobody wins; chaos reigns.
    

> This is why “miscommunication” is such an interesting barrier to trust: a little bit of it leads to forgiveness, but too much and it leads to widespread distrust! I think our modern media technology, as much as it’s helped us increase communication… has increased our miscommunication much more.
> 
> ~ Game Theory: The Evolution of Trust

#### 💡 What Do We Learn?

The game theory suggests a clear path forward for building stronger relationships:

1. Seek Multiple Interactions: Trust is developed through repetition and consistency. We need enough interactions for a reliable pattern of behaviour to emerge.
    
2. Embrace Forgiveness: Don’t react to a single miscommunication or misstep. Give the other person the benefit of the doubt, adopting a Copykitten-like strategy.
    
3. Find Compromise: Look for win-win outcomes — strategies that seek to maximise both parties’ gains in the long run.
    

![](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1440/1*w2rFA8iNxEMN_9t1EmXsbw.png align="left")