You exist within a complex ecosystem of algorithms and other users, each with their own goals (conscious or algorithmic). Your actions influence theirs, and vice versa. This is not just random chaos; it's a strategic interaction. Game Theory provides the mathematical tools to model these interactions, analyze the strategies involved, and predict outcomes when rational (or algorithmically rational) agents make decisions that affect each other. We'll apply these concepts to understand the strategic landscape of social media, online engagement, and your ongoing battle against forces designed to optimize your attention. Prepare to analyze the payoffs of your digital choices.
Define the players, actions, and payoffs in a game, and represent them using payoff matrices.
Identify outcomes where no player can improve their situation by unilaterally changing their strategy.
Analyze a classic game theory scenario with unsettling parallels in online interactions.
Explore how repeating a game can change strategies and outcomes over time.