How to Predict the Future
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Prediction engine
What if our minds were more than just simple vessels of thought, but instead, sophisticated prediction engines constantly processing information and anticipating what lies ahead? Could this concept shed light on our experiences with stress and trauma and offer new avenues for mental health interventions?
Expect the unexpected
Imagine walking into your living room, and instead of finding your familiar couch and coffee table, you're greeted by the massive presence of an African elephant sitting politely on your sofa. What happens next? Our prediction engine, which had been functioning smoothly, is suddenly disrupted. The sight of a wild animal in an unexpected location triggers a rapid response in our brains, as we attempt to process this new information.
But why?
This sudden disruption to our prediction engine is not just a quirky anomaly, but instead, holds important implications for our understanding of evolution and psychology. Throughout human history, our ancestors faced threats and challenges, and their survival depended on the ability to quickly process information and react to danger. Particularly novel or unexpected situations.
Schema
How does your brain quickly understand the layout of the space and predict what you'll see next? The answer lies in a psychological concept called schema. A schema is a mental representation of a specific category of information, like the layout of a room or the appearance of an object. These schemas allow us to efficiently process information and make predictions based on past experiences and patterns.
Lazy brain
Our brains are incredibly energy-intensive organs, constantly processing a stream of internal and external inputs. To conserve energy, our minds have developed an amazing ability to seek the path of least resistance. This is where the concept of prediction engines becomes particularly important. In this way, prediction engines allow us to conserve energy and resources, making it easier for us to navigate our environments and complete routine tasks.
Mind health
If a traumatic event disrupts our life, it can cause our prediction engines to become distorted and corrupt. Our mind then uses more energy to identify potentially harmful events or objects in our environment, which can lead to a distorted perception and exhaustion as the prediction engine becomes overwhelmed by hypervigilance.
Related articles
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Bar, M. (2007). The proactive brain: using intuition and reason to manage uncertainty. Trends in cognitive sciences, 11(7), 272-279.
Lillard, A. S. (1998). Mental models and understanding: A social cognitive neuroscience perspective. Psychological Science, 9(5), 391-397.
Palmer, S. E. (1999). Color, constancy, and the dual process theory of visual perception. Consciousness and Cognition, 8(2), 201-218.
Fazio, L. K. (2001). On the automatic activation of associated evaluations: An overview. Cognition & Emotion, 15(5), 615-639.
Bransford, J. D., & Johnson, M. K. (1972). Contextual prerequisites for understanding: Some investigations of comprehension and recall. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 11(6), 717-726.
Anderson, J. R. (2010). Cognitive psychology and its implications. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Damasio, A. (1994). Descartes' error: Emotion, reason, and the human brain. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Schacter, D. L. (1999). The seven sins of memory: How the mind forgets and remembers. Houghton Mifflin.
Tulving, E. (1983). Elements of episodic memory. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Wilson, T. D., & Brekke, N. (1994). Mental contamination and mental correction: Unwanted influences on judgments and evaluations. Psychological bulletin, 116(1), 117-142.
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This articles does not constitute medical or mental health advice. These practices are not for everyone and are not a substitute for ongoing healthcare from a medical or mental health professional. Please seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your health.