Prof Jiang’s Predictive History (The Story of Civilization, Secret History, Game Theory and more) Game Theory #1: The Dating Game
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Feb 6, 2026 A lively lecture explores game theory applied to dating, using a five-by-five marriage model and Nash equilibrium. Evolutionary motives, status signaling, and why real dating diverges from pure rational outcomes get compared. Demographic shifts and superstructure changes show how mating norms and fertility vary across societies, with Israel highlighted as a striking outlier.
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Status Is The Real Payoff
- People pursue status, not just sex or progeny, which reshapes mating incentives.
- Social media and bragging motives make status the active payoff in modern dating.
Superstructure Shapes The Game
- The 'superstructure' (demographics, wealth, tech, competition) alters which mating game is played.
- Changes in superstructure explain different historical family systems and outcomes.
How Population And Tech Affect Marriage
- Low-population, low-tech societies foster shared paternity and widespread sexual practices for child survival.
- Growing, competitive societies favor arranged marriages to maximize birth rates.