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MENTAL MODEL · M0003

Green Beard Effect

Green Beard Effect
DecideHigh supportGame Theory
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

A thought experiment proposed by Richard Dawkins, referring to a gene that can produce three effects: 1. Produces a recognizable tag (such as a green beard); 2. Can recognize the tag on others; 3. Drives the individual to exhibit altruistic behavior towards others who possess the tag. This explains how genes can selfishly replicate bypassing kinship.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Helps understand the essence of 'circle culture' and 'signal recognition'. In organizational behavior, it explains why people quickly develop inexplicable trust and favoritism towards those who share the same dress style, jargon, or values (the 'green beard'), even without blood relation or deep acquaintance.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Individuals recognize specific markers of their kind (green beard) and favor them, limiting altruism to those bearing the marker, which can be stable at the genetic level.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.comhttps://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Green-beard_effectZH · Explicit
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