“Evolution has a new surprise for us: double-sided social norms that enhance cooperation. In a new study, researchers from the University of Konstanz in Germany have shown that norms can evolve in a way that both encourages cooperation and discourages defection.

The researchers developed a computer model to simulate the evolution of social norms. In their model, they found that norms evolved which encouraged cooperation while also discouraging defection. This double-sided social norm reinforces cooperative behavior, while discouraging selfish behavior.

The results of the study suggest that norms can evolve in a way that they both encourage cooperation and discourage selfish behavior. This could have important implications for the evolution of societies, as cooperation is essential for the functioning of any society.”

In a recent study, researchers from the University of Konstanz in Germany have uncovered an intriguing new development in the evolution of social norms. Through the use of computer models, they discovered that social norms can evolve in a way that both encourages cooperation and discourages defection. This double-sided social norm reinforces cooperative behavior, while discouraging selfish behavior. This could have important implications for the evolution of societies, as cooperation is essential for the functioning of any society.

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org