Using Game Theory to Model Inauthenticity on Social Media

Abstract

This paper is the first to use game theory to model inauthenticity on social media

– a phenomenon proven to have negative psychological effects. Inauthenticity is defined

as focusing on impressive content and/or omitting negative life updates. I hypothesize a

prisoner’s dilemma model, where authenticity is cooperation and inauthenticity is

defecting. Data from a survey of Princeton students is used to create models for two

different degrees of closeness between users. Models for interactions with close friends

showed Nash equilibria at mutual authenticity and mutual inauthenticity, while models

for general acquaintances only have one Nash equilibrium at mutual inauthenticity. I

discuss differences based on degree of closeness, question framing, and demographic

variables, as well as possible ways to change the payoff structure to favor authenticity

and thus create a more psychologically healthy social media environment.