A questionnaire-based study on delayed reciprocity in a P2P-tv system

ABSTRACT

Using peer-to-peer (P2P) technology for distributing video files to many viewers simultaneously can only be successful if users cooperate voluntarily and massively. The current BitTorrent protocol enforces instantaneous bandwidth exchange within the context of one video file. To better exploit available resources for P2P-TV systems, such as our Tribler (www.tribler.org) software, we explore ways to induce user cooperation flexible over time and resources. The research is based on the social exchange theory and is done in two steps. First, the impact of social distance expressed in the degrees of separation (DoS) on the trust in reciprocity is investigated. Second, the DoS are combined with the kind of exchangeable resources typical for P2P-TV systems (i.e. injections and bandwidth) to find the influence of these variables on the accepted delay in reciprocity. The discussion will focus on the relation between trust in reciprocity and the accepted delay in reciprocity.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.4 SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
      Subjects: Psychology

Additional Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.4 SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
      Subjects: Sociology

General Terms:
Experimentation, Human Factors, Theory

Keywords:
delayed reciprocity, peer-to-peer technology, social exchange theory, user cooperation