A game theory approach to deception strategy in computer mediated communication

Many computer-based communication media offer visual anonymity. As a result, detecting online deception tends to be more difficult relative to traditional non-mediated communication. The state of the art research on online deception has focused on using linear statistical approaches to identifying behavioral differences between deceivers and truth-tellers. However, deception behaviors are not linear because deceivers may adopt dynamic strategies when they are motivated to succeed, and deceivers could disguise themselves to maximize their payoffs. Given such backdrop, this research is aimed to address deception strategies with a game theory approach. The results of an empirical study with a multi-stage game show that deceivers tend to select different strategies from truth-tellers and deceivers may adjust their strategies to avoid detection. These findings provide significant implications for explaining online deception in the full rationality paradigm.