Having lived in a fraternity house with fifty people constantly coming and going and a college house with four other roommates, I have definitely experienced many of the trivial effects of the tragedy of commons. Property, whether food or other possessions, is eaten or used whether or not permission is granted. When things are constantly disappearing, you quickly learn to hide or protect your most valuable things. On the other hand, if something small or invaluable is missing you have to learn to just let it go. Another interesting aspect of the tragedy of commons is that as long as everyone that is taking from the commons is contributing to the commons, everyone is happy. As soon as someone is taking from the commons without contributing, as was the case with one of my roommates, problems develop.
Tragedy of the Commons
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