APA Dictionary of Psychology

a social dilemma in which individuals, groups, organizations, or whole societies initiate a course of action or establish a set of relationships that lead to negative or even lethal outcomes in the long term, but that once initiated are difficult to withdraw from or alter. In many cases, immediate positive reinforcements lead to behaviors that in the long run are bad for the individual (e.g., substance use disorder) or for society (e.g., the tragedy of the commons). Immediate negative reinforcements can prevent behaviors that in the long run would be good for the individual (e.g., studying) or for society (e.g., using mass transportation). See also mixed-motive game.