Engineering Trust - Reciprocity in the Production of Reputation Information

Abstract

Reciprocal feedback distorts the production and content of reputation information, hampering trust and trade efficiency. Data from eBay and other sources combined with laboratory data provide a robust picture of how reciprocity can be guided by changes in the way feedback information flows through the system, leading to more accurate reputation information, more trust and more efficient trade.market design; reputation; trust; reciprocity; eBay