freerider

A freerider is someone who benefits from resources or services without paying for them or contributing to the costs. In economics and political science, the term describes individuals who rely on others to bear the costs of a good or policy while still enjoying its benefits.

The free rider problem arises with public goods, which are non-excludable and non-rivalrous. Because people can enjoy the benefits without paying, total funding or provision can be insufficient, reducing or delaying the provision of the good.

Examples include national defense, street lighting, lighthouses, and clean air; open-source software often relies on voluntary contributions; vaccination can create herd immunity that reduces risk for all, encouraging some to rely on others’ vaccination; and in group projects, some members may rely on others’ work while contributing little themselves.

Mitigation strategies include compulsory funding through taxes or fees, government provision of goods, subsidies or penalties to encourage contribution, and the design of institutions that enable collective action and accountability. Policies may also aim to enhance social norms, information about costs and benefits, and transparent governance to reduce free riding.

The concept is related to public goods, the collective action problem, and the tragedy of the commons.