Hype, skin in the game, and the stability of cooperative science

Abstract We address a recently posed question: ‘Why Do So Many Astronomy (and Astrobiology) Discoveries Fail to Live Up the Hype?’ expand it cover hype within science in general. Our answer relies on working definitions of and skin game, as applied research science, game theory model for stability cooperative science. Low allows internal feedbacks, community, initiate increased drift toward structural instability. The instability leads deterioration equilibria, which further enhances hype. Along drift, number results hyped breakthroughs will increase more claims fail live up This can lead public perception that is moving backwards shift what scientists, values. Although be initiated by external nudges, bigger role played dynamics system, i.e. collective scientists. Corrections should, likewise, focus structure. Proposed shifts how disseminated add restrictions system do harm than good.