The Security Paradox: How Fear Amplifies Into America's Gun Crisis

A Dartmouth study reveals a paradox driving America's gun crisis: when individuals buy firearms for self-protection, their choices collectively fuel 'overarming'—where everyone bears the cost but few gain genuine safety. Using evolutionary game theory, researchers show how fear creates a self-reinforcing cycle: more guns breed perceived threat, prompting more purchases, resulting in a societal trap where increased gun ownership directly correlates with increased deaths.