What is the outcome when individuals act in their own self-interest contrary to the common good?

The outcome when individuals act in their own self-interest contrary to the common good is best described as a social dilemma. In social dilemmas, individuals face a choice between maximizing their own benefit and contributing to the welfare of the group. This often leads to a situation where individual actions, while rational from a personal standpoint, can ultimately harm the collective interest.

A classic example of this concept is the "tragedy of the commons," where individuals exploit a shared resource without regard for its depletion, leading to long-term negative consequences for everyone. Thus, social dilemmas highlight the conflict between personal gain and the well-being of the community, illustrating the challenges in achieving cooperative behavior in social settings.

This understanding is crucial in social psychology, where the dynamics of individual versus group interests are explored.