Feedback loops are everywhere: thermostats, social media algorithms, economies, relationships. Understanding them is key to understanding why systems behave the way they do.
More leads to more. Growth or collapse.
Examples: viral spread, compound interest, arms races, bank runs
Deviations get corrected. Seeks equilibrium.
Examples: thermostats, predator-prey, market prices, hunger
How much each cycle amplifies (positive) or corrects (negative)
Time before feedback takes effect. Delays cause oscillation.
A sudden external disturbance to the system
For negative loops: the level the system tries to maintain
System State Over Time
What's happening
Key dynamics
Positive + Gain > 1 = Explosion
When each cycle amplifies the signal, small changes become big fast. This is viral growth, compound interest, or runaway inflation.
Negative = Seeking Equilibrium
Deviations from target get pushed back. Your thermostat, body temperature, and market prices all work this way.
Delay + Feedback = Oscillation
When feedback is delayed, the system overshoots. This causes boom/bust cycles, oscillating thermostats, and unstable control systems.