Skip to main content

Rational Apathy

Definition

Rational apathy describes a phenomenon where individuals choose not to participate in decision-making processes because the perceived cost of participation outweighs the expected benefit. In decentralized systems, this can manifest as token holders not voting on proposals, even if they have the right to do so, due to the effort required versus the marginal impact of their single vote. This concept is relevant for understanding participation levels in blockchain governance. It suggests that inaction can be a logical choice given certain cost-benefit calculations.