Game Theory: The Science of Decision-Making
So which one is it for Steemit? Nash Equilibrium or Shapley Value?
I have heard people bring up the prisoner's dilemma with regard to Steemit, but I think the cooperative model works much better, most of the time.
I think the prisoner's dilemma can best be related to Stemmit is on the investment side (external exchanges). If you invest at the wrong time, you might get an unfavorable price. So it's best to be selfish and look for Nash Equilibrium when investing.
On the other hand, rewards are equal on Steemit, believe it or not. One STEEM Power is One Vote. It just so happens, some people have more STEEM Power, but their votes are evaluated by their investment. The Shapley Value seems alive and well on this side of the game.
I don't know if the Shapley Value is actually expressed in the blockchain. I haven't seen specific mention of it in the whitepaper.
Certainly, some cooperative model is in place. And I think it works well.