Reality Drift — Definitions & Core Concepts

A framework for understanding how modern systems can remain functional while gradually losing alignment with the realities they are meant to represent.

Rather than treating breakdowns as isolated issues, Reality Drift identifies recurring structural patterns that emerge when perception, meaning, and decision-making are shaped by optimization, compression, and layered mediation.

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Core Definition

• Canonical Definition
• Canonical Overview (PDF)
• Canonical Glossary (PDF)

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Core Concepts

These concepts describe the primary mechanisms through which drift emerges across systems:

• Reality Drift (PDF)
• Optimization Trap
• Filter Fatigue
• Synthetic Realness
• The Drifted Self (PDF)

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How It Shows Up

Applied examples of Reality Drift across digital environments, media, and everyday experience:

• Why Does Everything Online Feel Fake (PDF)
• Why Does Everything Feel Optimized Now (PDF)
• Why Do Conversations Feel Scripted Now (PDF)
• Why Does Modern Life Feel Overwhelming (PDF)

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Explore the System

A deeper exploration of the framework across formats:

• The Age of Drift (Reader Edition)
• Chapter Library
• Visual Frameworks
• Frameworks in Action

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Research and Development

Underlying models, early papers, and formal expansions of the framework:

• Academic Papers
• Working Notes
• Early Concept Papers

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Tools and Diagnostics

Practical guides for identifying and navigating drift in real environments:

• Recognition Guides
• Questions About Modern Life

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Note: This site functions as a lightweight archive and reference layer for the Reality Drift framework. Primary essays and long-form writing are distributed across external platforms.

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Substack • GitHub • DOI

Part of Reality Drift Framework by A. Jacobs (2023-2026)