@dana-edwards I believe that humans being social animals have an innate desire to build or form mutual aid societies. You mentioned Wow and the Variable ratio schedules of reinforcement that makes it more fun and is an inducement to continue playing.

As a father of four and an avid Wow player with my children for over eight years, I was amazed at the actual formation of a mutual aid society within our guild over a period of time. It was not uncommon for people to actually help people in the "Real World" with a number of issues from financial help to babysitting, homework and actually helping with work on cars and providing emergency assistance and countless other examples. I believe that this social bonding is why some of these relationships (mutual aid society) are still in effect even after most stopped playing.
I see that ability or propensity happening in the Steemit community. When someone is homeless and people upvote that person regardless of the actual "value" of content in hopes of helping financially isn't that the formation or creation of a mutual aid society ?, I think so, and applaud it.