The Feedback Loop of Perception and Reality

You’ve probably heard few times the statement “Your perception influences reality”.You may have been told this by a motivational video or heard it at a yoga session. So, I won’t be telling you anything new today, but still — let me add a new dimension to it: What if your perception actually feeds reality?Take a few seconds to think about that. And in those seconds, feel free to imagine yourself as a generator of energy because that’s essentially what you truly are, at least at times. Now, let’s see at what ‘’times’’!In order for the ‘’feeding statement’’ to make sense, we need to build some context. For that, I must turn to science once again and discuss the most famous case that illustrates this peculiarity of perception and reality — The Double-Slit Experiment.The double-slit experiment is a fundamental experiment in quantum physics that explores the wave-particle duality of matter and the role of observation in shaping reality. It was first pioneered by Thomas Young in the early 1800s, specifically in 1801, and later refined by scientists such as Augustin-Jean Fresnel and Albert Einstein himself.

Experimental setup:The basic setup of the double-slit experiment involves a source of particles, such as electrons or photons, a barrier with two slits (thus the name “double-slit”), and a screen or detector to record the behavior of the particles. Wave-particle duality:The main purpose of the experiment is to investigate whether the particles exhibit wave-like behavior when passing through the slits. According to classical physics, the particles should behave as distinct entities, creating two separate bands on the screen corresponding to the positions of the slits. However, because particles don’t have the same rationality as the setters, to consider that, they don't. So it happens that the results of the double-slit experiment challenge this initial logical notion.Interference pattern:When the particles are individually fired through the double slits, something remarkable happens. Instead of producing two distinct bands on the screen, the particles create an interference pattern — a series of alternating bands of light and dark. This pattern resembles what is observed when waves, such as light or sound waves, interact with each other.

Confirmation of wave-particle duality: The appearance of an interference pattern suggests that the particles possess wave-like properties. Each particle passing through the slits appears to interfere with itself, creating a pattern of constructive and destructive interference on the screen. This behavior is characteristic of waves, indicating that particles can simultaneously exhibit both particle and wave behavior, which is known as wave-particle duality.Observation and collapse of the wave function:However, the double-slit experiment becomes truly intriguing when…!?! a human observer is introduced. When scientists try to measure or observe which slit a particle passes through, something extraordinary happens: the interference pattern disappears. The act of observation itself collapses the wave function, causing the particles to behave like individual particles instead of waves.The interaction of the observer with the system forces the particles to “choose” a defined path through one of the slits, eliminating the interference pattern. This phenomenon is often referred to as wavefunction collapse or the “observer effect”.So, even without conscious intention (and this should not be read lightly), just mere human observation becomes an active force in the quantum equation of reality. Our attention feeds into the network of possibilities, influencing the paths taken by the quantum particles that comprise the perceived reality.

From 1801 until now, the double-slit experiment raises profound questions about the nature of reality and the role of consciousness in shaping it. Does reality already exist, and we simply step into it? Do we create it? When we say “reality,” do we refer to systems like the banking system, educational system, new systems, or even the trees that surround us, which seem to be already made? Do we create it and then feed it? We can feed it and, in this way, turn it into reality? If we stop feeding reality with our observations, does it cease to exist? Hypothetically, if a concept disappeared from the entire mind of humanity, would it still exist in reality? If it would exist still, our eyes/brain would be able to see it and give it meaning? Several interpretations attempt to explain the experimental results, including the Copenhagen Interpretation and Many-Worlds Interpretation. For now, I will focus on one interpretation.In the Copenhagen Interpretation, proposed by Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, it is suggested that particles exist in a superposition of states.

 However, this is only until they are measured or observed, at which point the wavefunction collapses into… a defined state. The phrase “Don’t look at me like that!” takes on a new meaning now, doesn’t it? Interestingly, in psychology, there is an entire theory called “The Looking Glass Self” that somehow without aiming it, explains how this phenomenon is present even when we observe others around us, who are also made up of particles, right?“I don’t feel seen for who I truly am”, “I feel a lack of recognition for my authentic self”, “There is a disconnect between how I’m perceived and my true essence”, “I sense a gap between the projected image and my inner being”. Man, these are not the whims of sensitive personalities but actually deep quantum feelings!Now, take a few more seconds to immerse yourself in this concept. Once again, feel free to imagine yourself as a generator. If the term “generator” doesn’t resonate with you, let’s reframe it: Have you recently felt worthless, let’s say? Insignificant maybe? Then, what we have discussed so far also comes as good news. Because I can tell you that you are a “resource.” Now, imagine that every observation, every attention you give, contributes to the collective web of reality with all its values and systems. These observations intertwine with the observations of others, creating then a shared experience.

By recognizing that our attention feeds and fuel reality, we are both responsible and active participants in co-creating reality and existence. Even if the reality we are talking about is a global one or a personal one of the worlds inside you. Every observation, every moment of attention goes somewhere.In this case, we could very well honorably accept the resource role- as observers of the quantum realm. And as kitsch as it may sound, let me say that it may be worth considering choosing to perceive (so, to feed, to modify) with compassion, and appreciation. Brilliance, indulgence, curiosity, clarity, or any other lens that seems more beautiful, useful, or appropriate to you.