77. ZDP Shots : Game Theory in Relationships & Friendships: Strategic Choices in Everyday Human Interaction

Ever wondered why you hesitate before texting first, overthink double texts, or feel stuck planning outings that never happen? Turns out, you’ve been using game theory all along.

In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast by Arthashastra, Miranda House, Poorti and Mahak explore how economic concepts like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, Nash Equilibrium, Tit-for-Tat, free-riding, and signalling show up in everyday human interactions. From friendships to roommates, group projects, social media, and conflict resolution, we break down how strategic thinking shapes trust, cooperation, and decision-making.

Light, fun, and deeply relatable, this episode connects economics to real life, because sometimes, understanding relationships is just about understanding the game.