A situation commonly arising in public goods contexts in which players may benefit from the actions of others
without contributing (they may free ride). Thus, each person has incentive to allow others to pay
for the public good and not personally contribute. In short, the free rider problem occurs because one does not have incentive to account for
the global benefits of a private act, such as in the tragedy of the commons game.
updated: 15 August 2005
HOW TO CITE THIS ENTRY
- To learn more:
- See news articles on free riding.