Impact Trust • Working glossary

Feedback loop

A process that feeds back on itself, growing stronger or correcting itself.

Details

Our Take
One of the few systems terms that has genuinely entered common language. The practical value is in distinguishing reinforcing loops (which amplify - the doom loop, the derailment spiral) from balancing loops (which stabilise - the self-correcting mechanisms that prevent runaway change).
Examples of Use
Systems analysis, climate science
Synonyms/Variants
Virtuous/vicious cycle; Reinforcing/balancing loop
Typical everyday wording
A cycle that feeds on itself