A BIOLOGICAL VIEW ON INFORMATION ECOSYSTEMS

摘要

We study the dynamics of information ecosystems where there are antagonistic agents or groups of antagonistic agents. In particular, we focus on systems that consist of exploiter agents and agents being exploited. When comparing information ecosystems with biological ecosystems, it becomes clear that both types of systems seem to support robust solutions that are hard to violate by a single agent. In the analysis of information ecosystems, it is important to take into consideration that agents may have a Machiavellian intelligence, i.e., that they take the self-interest of other agents into consideration. We conclude that in the interaction between antagonistic agents within information systems, arms race is a major force. A positive result of this is a better preparedness for innocent agents against the vigilant agents. Some examples are given to show how the modelling of information ecosystems in this way can explain the origin of more robust systems when antagonistic agents are around.