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Edge-based reputation promotes cooperation in simplicial complexes

Author

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  • Du, Chunpeng
  • Fang, Fei
  • de Miguel-Arribas, Alfonso
  • Lu, Yikang
  • Wang, Yanan
  • Pan, Xin
  • Moreno, Yamir

Abstract

Understanding how cooperation emerges and persists is a central challenge in the evolutionary dynamics of social and biological systems. Most prior studies have examined cooperation through pairwise interactions, yet real-world interactions often involve groups and higher-order structures. Reputation is a key mechanism for guiding strategic behavior in such contexts, but its role in higher-order networks remains underexplored. In this study, we introduce an edge-based reputation mechanism, incorporating both direct and indirect reputation, to investigate the evolution of cooperation in simplicial complexes. Our results show that coupling reputation mechanisms with higher-order network structures strongly promotes cooperation, with direct reputation exerting a stronger influence than indirect reputation. Moreover, we reveal a nonlinear interplay between network topology and reputation mechanisms, highlighting how multi-level structures shape collective outcomes. These findings provide a novel theoretical framework for understanding cooperation in complex social systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Du, Chunpeng & Fang, Fei & de Miguel-Arribas, Alfonso & Lu, Yikang & Wang, Yanan & Pan, Xin & Moreno, Yamir, 2026. "Edge-based reputation promotes cooperation in simplicial complexes," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chsofr:v:204:y:2026:i:c:s0960077925017618
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chaos.2025.117748
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    References listed on IDEAS

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