Social dilemmas can arise in a variety of contexts, from small-scale interactions among individuals to large-scale problems facing society as a whole.

One common social dilemma is the tragedy of the commons, which occurs when a shared resource is overused or depleted because individuals act in their own self-interest rather than considering the common good. This can happen with natural resources such as forests, fisheries, and water supplies, as well as with public spaces such as parks and roads.

Another social dilemma is the prisoner's dilemma, which is a game-theory scenario in which two individuals must choose whether to cooperate or defect. If both individuals cooperate, they both receive a moderate payoff. If one individual defects while the other cooperates, the defector receives a high payoff and the cooperator receives a low payoff. If both individuals defect, they both receive a low payoff. The dilemma arises because each individual's best strategy depends on the other's strategy, leading to a situation in which both individuals may defect even though cooperation would be mutually beneficial.

A related dilemma is the public goods dilemma, in which individuals must decide whether to contribute to a public good that benefits everyone, even those who do not contribute. Examples of public goods include public transportation, public education, and clean air and water. The dilemma arises because individuals may be tempted to free ride and benefit from the public good without contributing to its provision.

Finally, there is the social trap, which occurs when individuals pursue short-term rewards that ultimately lead to negative long-term consequences for themselves and others. For example, individuals may overconsume resources such as fossil fuels or engage in unsustainable practices that harm the environment and future generations.

All of these social dilemmas share the common feature that individual self-interest may conflict with the common good. However, there are strategies that can be used to mitigate these conflicts and promote cooperation. These include establishing clear rules and incentives for cooperation, fostering a sense of shared identity and responsibility, and providing information and feedback to help individuals understand the consequences of their actions.

By understanding the nature of social dilemmas and the factors that promote cooperation, we can work together to find solutions to the many challenges facing our society.