What is a common consequence of the tragedy of the commons in relation to public goods?

The tragedy of the commons occurs when a shared resource is overused and depleted because individuals act in their own self-interest instead of considering the group. This is especially true for public goods, which are resources that everyone can use without paying for them, like clean air or public parks. When people know they can benefit from these resources without contributing, they may take more than their fair share, leading to problems like pollution or overcrowding. For example, if everyone lets their dogs run freely in a public park without cleaning up after them, the park can become dirty and unpleasant for everyone, making it less enjoyable. Ultimately, this situation shows how important it is for communities to manage shared resources wisely to prevent depletion and ensure that everyone can benefit in the long run.