A Promise Theory Perspective on the Role of Intent in Group Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper applies Promise Theory and dimensional analysis to understand group dynamics, explaining how group size and behavior emerge from individual intentions and costs, supported by Wikipedia editing data.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of Promise Theory to model group formation and scaling, linking intent, costs, and group size dynamics.

Findings

Group alignment depends on shared priorities and cost-benefit balance.

The model reproduces observed group growth and entropy balance.

Empirical support from Wikipedia editing group data.

Abstract

We present a simple argument using Promise Theory and dimensional analysis for the Dunbar scaling hierarchy, supported by recent data from group formation in Wikipedia editing. We show how the assumption of a common priority seeds group alignment until the costs associated with attending to the group outweigh the benefits in a detailed balance scenario. Subject to partial efficiency of implementing promised intentions, we can reproduce a series of compatible rates that balance growth with entropy.