Research from the University of Chicago indicates that as individuals age, they tend to adopt a less zero-sum perspective, which is the belief that one person’s gain is another person’s loss. This finding, published on December 17, 2025, in the *Journal of Experimental Psychology*, highlights significant differences in how various age groups perceive competitive situations.
The study, led by researcher Veronica Vazquez-Olivieri, examined nearly 2,500 participants, comparing younger adults aged 18 to 30 with older adults aged 65 to 80. Participants rated their agreement with statements reflecting zero-sum beliefs, such as, “If somebody gets rich, someone has to get poor.” The results revealed that older individuals are generally more inclined to view life as a collaborative rather than a competitive endeavor.
Understanding Zero-Sum Perspectives
In contexts like sports or elections, zero-sum dynamics are clear; only one team or candidate can prevail. However, many life situations, such as economic growth or educational environments, do not fit this framework. The research team, which included Tamar Kricheli-Katz from Tel Aviv University, found that younger generations are increasingly prone to viewing non-zero-sum situations as competitive.
According to Boaz Keysar, a co-author of the study, this misperception can lead to detrimental decision-making. For instance, he noted that immigrants are often portrayed as a burden on the economy, when, in fact, they contribute positively by creating more job opportunities. “They enlarge the pie, as opposed to taking away from others,” Keysar remarked.
Generational Insights and Societal Implications
Vazquez-Olivieri became interested in the relationship between age and zero-sum beliefs while analyzing data from the World Value Survey, which has tracked cultural values for over 40 years. Her findings suggest that younger individuals today are not only more likely to embrace zero-sum thinking than older adults but also more so than previous generations.
The research team conducted four experiments to further explore these trends. Participants evaluated fictional scenarios, such as a company that incentivizes high performance among employees. Younger respondents were more likely to classify this scenario as zero-sum, despite evidence suggesting that all employees could succeed simultaneously.
The study indicates that younger individuals often perceive resources as scarce, influenced by competitive environments like college admissions and job markets. In contrast, older individuals typically adopt a more optimistic viewpoint, recognizing that opportunities can expand over time. “What happens to us over time is that we sometimes only understand the benefits from a situation later in time,” Kricheli-Katz explained.
The implications of these findings extend beyond individual perceptions. They suggest that recognizing and addressing this zero-sum bias is crucial for improving decision-making in various contexts, including negotiation and collaboration. For instance, in academic settings, students often enter negotiation courses with a competitive mindset but leave with a greater understanding of cooperative strategies.
Vazquez-Olivieri encourages younger individuals to seek wisdom from older generations, noting that as people age, they naturally become less zero-sum in their thinking. “Even if you’re zero-sum now, given the data, you should become less zero-sum,” she said.
This research underscores the importance of fostering a mindset that values collaboration over competition, potentially leading to better outcomes for individuals and society as a whole. As the study suggests, the benefits of a more inclusive perspective may not become evident until later in life, making it essential to engage with those who have navigated similar challenges.
