Prisoner’s dilemma will force people to take risks, break rules and return to old habits long before any treatment or vaccine.

Explain? Ok.
People want to win.

People will use the richest channel available in order to win.

Rich channels require more effort but can create more memorable experiences. They are high def but cost time, money and now, can risk viral spread.

Examples?
At Work: Richest channel is HQ.

First eager beaver to commute to the office when the boss is in, wins. They’ll snag that project before it hits slack and get promoted.

Long run forces everyone back in a car, commuting to sit in a conference room and stare at a screen together
In Sales: Richest channel is wining and dining.

First person to risk a plane and meet the buyer for an unforgettable meal or event closes (all else nearly equal).

Long run, we get back to corporate T&E and nights/weekends away from family thinking “this could have been a Zoom”
In Communication: Richest channel is video.

Video builds a deeper connection than voice or text.

Now we’re on 100x the # of video calls when a phone call would have been just fine.

Less multitasking and endless days staring at screens
In Dating: Actually... skipping this.

Zoom dates are less risk for contagion, but go talk to a single 20 year old about love in the time of Covid.

Are they falling for the person social distancing, rocking a 4K camera and ring light, or the one planning a post lockdown party?
Answers like:

Dont travel for a sale!
Don’t have an HQ!
Don’t use video chat if a call works!

Sorry. Unrealistic. Each of these channels is valuable and has its place. The tragedy is that to keep up, we’ll all be worse off.

Curious, how would my game theorists solve this?
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