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The excess of positive language prior to betrayal point definitely matches my personal experience.

• zeveb 11y ago
  The reduction in politeness is also interesting. As someone who really enjoys formality, I like to think that forms are a kind of social guardrail to reduce the likelihood of misbehaviour (which would of course include betrayal), but that's probably far too pat.
  • Florin_Andrei 11y ago
    > The reduction in politeness is also interesting. It's very counter-intuitive. I'd like to hear a rationale for this strategy.
    • ashark 11y ago
      This may be measuring relative power or favorability of position for the two players. Weaker players are more polite to their stronger allies (and less likely to betray), strong players are less polite and more likely to betray, for example.
    • JulianMorrison 11y ago
      My guess is dehumanization. The betrayer has to shove down their empathy, and that blocks them from thinking of actions that flow from caring about another's feelings - except instrumentally. So direct feeling manipulation, "positive sentiment", goes up.
  • nwatson 11y ago
    Formality won't reduce betrayal but instead prescribe behavior that lets one fully mask intention of betrayal. When expected behavior norms aren't fully prescribed, or when they're impaired (as when one is drunk), it's harder to maintain politeness. Downton Abbey-style formality, on the other hand, lets one maintain the facade of perfect society while stabbing someone's back.