Publisher:
University of California, Department of Economics, Davis, CA
Abstract:
We study dynamic decentralized two-sided matching where players' preferences evolve due to unanticipated experiences. Stability requires no pairwise common belief in blocking, but unanticipated experiences can destabilize matchings. We show the existence of self-confirming outcomes that are stable and do not lead to unanticipated experiences. We propose a decentralized matching process that prioritizes mutual optimal blocking pairs with probability 1 - ε and picks any other optimal blocking pair with ε, representing market friction. Frictions are necessary for convergence to self-confirming stable outcomes even without unawareness. We extend our results by allowing communication and show convergence to flirt-proof self-confirming outcomes.