Link dissolution outperforms link formation in promoting cooperation in social dilemmas

doi:10.1016/j.ssresearch.2026.103342

Link dissolution outperforms link formation in promoting cooperation in social dilemmas

2026-03-12

0

PRE

AI

DOI：10.1016/j.ssresearch.2026.103342

Original

Original request for help

Save

Abstract

En 中文

Adaptive networks are key to the promotion of cooperation through two mechanisms: forming ties to cooperative individuals and dissolving ties with defectors. While previous research has often treated these mechanisms interchangeably, we argue that they exert different effects on cooperation in social dilemmas. Across two studies, we demonstrate that link dissolution is more effective than link formation in fostering cooperation. In Study 1, a behavioral experiment with human participants, we find that individuals are more selective in partner choice, and that social learning of cooperation in various forms has a stronger effect in networks updated by link dissolution than by link formation. In study 2, using an agent-based model, we address potential concerns about the effect of network density on cooperation by relaxing several constraints of the behavioral experiment to test the robustness of the findings. Put together, the two studies consistently reveal the superiority of link dissolution over link formation in promoting cooperation within social networks.

Keywords:

link dissolution

link formation

cooperation

social dilemmas

adaptive networks

Link dissolution outperforms link formation in promoting cooperation in social dilemmas

Abstract

Journal

Organization