Non-dilemmatic social dynamics promote cooperation in multilayer networks

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that coupling social dilemma networks with non-dilemmatic layers, such as opinion spreading, significantly enhances cooperation across various multilayer network configurations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel multilayer network model combining dilemma and non-dilemmatic layers, showing how this promotes cooperation more effectively than traditional models.

Findings

Coupling dilemma and non-dilemmatic layers boosts cooperation.

The effect is robust across different network types and update rules.

Embedding diverse interactions can be used to engineer cooperation.

Abstract

Various theoretical and empirical studies have accounted for why humans cooperate in competitive environments. Although prior work has revealed that network structure and multiplex interactions can promote cooperation, most theory assumes that individuals play similar dilemma games in all social contexts. However, real-world agents may participate in a diversity of interactions, not all of which present dilemmas. We develop an evolutionary game model on multilayer networks in which one layer supports the prisoner's dilemma game, while the other follows constant-selection dynamics, representing biased but non-dilemmatic competition, akin to opinion or fad spreading. Our theoretical analysis reveals that coupling a social dilemma layer to a non-dilemmatic constant-selection layer robustly enhances cooperation in many cases, across different multilayer networks, updating rules, and payoff schemes. These findings suggest that embedding individuals within diverse networked settings -- even those unrelated to direct social dilemmas -- can be a principled approach to engineering cooperation in socio-ecological and organizational systems.