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Allocators are more prosocial when affected agents can visually eavesdrop

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  • Wang, Stephanie W.
  • Camerer, Colin F.

Abstract

In these experiments, participants made binary choices in “dictator” games choosing distributions for themselves and others. All payoffs are initially hidden and can be clicked open using a mouse. To study the effect of social image on attention and choices, we used a novel screensharing technique: One of the participants receiving the chooser's allocation can observe the chooser's clicks, so they can see if the chooser is looking up what the impact will be on their own allocation (but they cannot observe the chooser's choices). This change in observability increases the possible impact of social image concerns on expressed social preferences. It increases the time choosers spend looking at the potential payoffs to the observer and makes their choices less selfish. This finding goes against the hypothesis of “willful ignorance” and suggests other behavioral influences.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Stephanie W. & Camerer, Colin F., 2024. "Allocators are more prosocial when affected agents can visually eavesdrop," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:228:y:2024:i:c:s016726812400386x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106772
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social preferences; Social image; Observability; Attention;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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