Exploring the Acceptability of Delayed Reciprocity in Peer-to-Peer Networks

Using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) technology for distributing Television programs to many viewers simultaneously can only be successful if users cooperate voluntarily and massively. The current BitTorrent protocol only enforces instantaneous bandwidth exchange within the context of one video file. We explore ways to induce user cooperation flexible over time and over type of resources. Essential resources for a P2P system are: bandwidth, injections, moderations, and appreciations. Social exchange theory is taken as a background for addressing the inducement of cooperation in a P2P-TV system called Tribler. This theory helps to explain how the acceptability of delayed reciprocity can be influenced by the specificity of the exchangeable resources and by the relationship types between individuals. This paper presents the results from a study among 36 participants about the acceptability of delayed reciprocity in a P2PTV system, under varying relationship types and specificity of exchangeable resources.