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How do we choose whom to trust? The effect of social networks on trust

Author

Listed:
  • Federica Alberti

    (Portsmouth Business School)

  • Anna Conte

    (Sapienza University of Rome)

  • Daniela T. Di Cagno

    (LUISS Guido Carli University)

  • Emanuela Sciubba

    (Birkbeck University of London)

Abstract

Our social lives are governed by trust. But how do we choose whom to trust? In this work, based on a laboratory experiment, we explore whether building relationships in a social network increases individuals' level of trust. We find that social interactions direct trust, but their impulse is not sufficiently strong to result beneficial.

Suggested Citation

  • Federica Alberti & Anna Conte & Daniela T. Di Cagno & Emanuela Sciubba, 2020. "How do we choose whom to trust? The effect of social networks on trust," Working Papers in Economics & Finance 2020-02, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth Business School, Economics and Finance Subject Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:pbs:ecofin:2020-02
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    File URL: http://repec.port.ac.uk/EconFinance/PBSEconFin_2020_02.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Clelia Mazzoni & Patrizia Sbriglia, 2022. "An Experimental Investigation of Trusting Behaviour," Games, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-11, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social network; Trust; Lab experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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