Interactive module
Tragedy of the Commons
Increase individual usage and watch the shared resource strain over time.
Rule ledger
caseThree people share a pond where fish regenerate only if usage stays moderate.
rule
resource_next = resource - total usage + regenerationquestionWhen one strategy changes alone, whose payoff or fairness changes first?
Shared Pond
Shared pondPublic parkingOffice snacks
82%
Player 1 gain
43
Player 2 gain
43
Player 3 gain
43
1
Pond starts healthy
How to read this result
Each person gains from using more, but when total usage beats regeneration, the shared resource falls and the next round becomes worse for everyone.Formula
resource_next = resource - total usage + regenerationIndividual gains are private, while depletion costs are shared by everyone.
Step-by-step Explanation
Scenario
Three people share a pond where fish regenerate only if usage stays moderate.
Why This Matters
Climate, traffic, public goods, and shared infrastructure all depend on commons incentives.
Beginner-Friendly Summary
Without coordination, reasonable individual use can add up to collective collapse.
Try changing the strategy and watch which result changes first.