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Feedback loops can create reinforcing or balancing patterns from "summary" of Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows
Feedback loops are a fundamental concept in understanding how systems function. These loops can either reinforce or balance patterns within a system. When a feedback loop reinforces a pattern, it causes that pattern to become stronger over time. This can lead to exponential growth or decline, depending on the nature of the feedback. Reinforcing feedback loops are like a snowball rolling down a hill, gaining momentum with each revolution. They can create dramatic changes in a system, amplifying small initial differences into significant outcomes. For example, in the case of population growth, a reinforcing feedback loop can cause a rapid increase in population size as each new individual adds to the growth rate. On the other hand, balancing feedback loops work to maintain equilibrium within a system. These loops counteract deviations from a desired state, keeping the system stable over time. Balancing feedback loops act as a stabilizing force, preventing the system from spiraling out of control. For instance, in a thermostat system, if the temperature rises above a set point, the cooling system kicks in to bring it back down. Both reinforcing and balancing feedback loops play crucial roles in shaping the behavior of systems. While reinforcing loops can lead to exponential growth or collapse, balancing loops work to keep systems in check, preventing them from running off course. By understanding how these feedback loops operate within a system, we can better predict and manage its behavior. Systems thinking allows us to see the interconnectedness of these loops and how they influence one another, leading to a deeper understanding of complex systems.
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