Applying game theory to the study of communication: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Game theory is one of the main one of the fastest growing research trends of the 20thcentury, with successful applications in several fields. However, communication studies have been mostly distant from this theoretical tool. This article seeks to explore the challenges and opportunities of applying game theory to communication studies. First, the author presents a brief historical context for game theory, paying particular attention to the changes it has undergone to be applied in diverse fields such as biology, philosophy or political science. The second part explores the main reasons why communication scholars resist game theory, frequently comparing communication studies with its sister discipline: sociology. Finally, the article explores some possibilities to adapt and apply game theory in communication studies by presenting both real and hypothetical examples for research. This article is an original contribution to the original debate on this issue, which has not been academically discussed for communication since the early 70s.