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ashey9111
Sep 138 min read

The Sociology of the "Glitch in the Matrix"

Hi friends! Welcome back to another Sociology Of X! In today's blog/vlog, we are going to be discussing the sociology of the theory of the Glitch in the Matrix. Strap yourselves in!


I'm not sure if I'll do a Freaky Friday Files this week but I do have to say it is Friday the 13th so maybe I might put something out, but for now, please enjoy today's sociological take on the Glitch in the Matrix!


Quick Update: I totalled myself walking Benji this morning so things may be later than normal. Apologies!









Some Examples of "Glitch in the Matrix" TikTok's










Introduction


Today, we’re diving into something a little… glitchy. You’ve probably heard of the term "Glitch in the Matrix," right? Those moments when reality seems to hiccup, and you’re left wondering if you’ve just witnessed a bug in the system we call life. But what if I told you these glitches are more than just creepy internet stories? What if they actually tell us something profound about society, human psychology, and our relationship with reality? Buckle up, because we’re about to explore the sociology of the "Glitch in the Matrix."


First, let’s clarify what we mean by a "Glitch in the Matrix." The term comes from the 1999 movie The Matrix, where characters experience déjà vu as a sign that something has been altered in their simulated reality. Over time, the phrase has evolved to describe any odd, inexplicable phenomenon that seems to defy the rules of our everyday existence. You know, like seeing someone who looks exactly like your friend, only to find out your friend was miles (I want to say kilometres but it doesn't have the same ring) away at the time. Or objects disappearing and reappearing in places you’re sure you didn’t leave them. And even weirder - finding ANOTHER item that you only thought you had one of - seems to be very common for false nails to appear or extra shoes to appear out of thin air. I've also seen a lot of earrings do this too!


These stories have exploded online, especially on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where entire communities are dedicated to sharing these bizarre experiences. But why are we so fascinated by these so-called glitches? What do they reveal about our collective psyche? Can we explain such phenomena? Maybe we can and maybe we can't but I want to just talk about Occam's Razor for a second here - which is the theory that the simplest answer is usually the correct one. Wikipedia says (re Occam's Razor):


Wiki definition

I also want to point out here that Turchin and Yampolskiy (2019) claim that these so called Glitch in the Matrix stories are nothing more than just urban legends - they say:


"In the last decade, an urban legend about “glitches in the matrix” has become popular. As it is typical for urban legends, there is no evidence for most such stories, and the phenomenon could be explained as resulting from hoaxes, creepypasta, coincidence, and different forms of cognitive bias. In addition, the folk understanding of probability does not bear much resemblance to actual probability distributions, resulting in the illusion of improbable events, like the “birthday paradox”. - p. 1

For reference, the birthday paradox is if there are 23 people in one room, the chance of two people having the same birthday is 50/50 and if there are 75 people, there's a 99.9% chance of two people having the same birthday. And don't worry, this paradox freaks me out too!


Before we get into the sociology of the glitch in the matrix, one thing I'd like to discuss AND that's important AF - is the lamp guy! The original comment is long gone from Reddit but someone has kindly reposted it for us (and has said everyone can use it for their own use, so I'm comfortable sharing it here). But I'll post some screenshots.


Lamp Guy story
Lamp Guy 2

Spoogli - a YouTuber discussed this online - it's really good so I recommend you check it out!



I really like the analysis from this particular YouTuber and I also think that when we experience trauma or something like that, our brains will help us deal with what's happened. Like the best way I can think to understand this particular "glitch" is similar to how the body creates adrenaline when someone gets shot and they don't feel the pain until way after - when they're not in danger anymore. The other explanation is that it's just a creepypasta.


Anyway, we are going to get into the bulk of the sociology now!









The Sociology of the Glitch in the Matrix


Now, let’s dive into the sociological aspect. One way to understand the "Glitch in the Matrix" is by looking at how humans make sense of reality. From a sociological perspective, our reality is a construct—built on shared beliefs, norms, and values (Berger and Luckman, 1966). This is known as social constructionism. And I know a lot of people don't like the idea of social constructionism and that's okay, but in sociology, we use it to make sense of things! Especially because as individuals, we all experience the world differently.


But what happens when such reality is disrupted, even in the smallest ways? We feel uneasy, right? It’s as if the very fabric of our existence has been tampered with, and that’s where the sociology comes in.


Classical sociologists like Emile Durkheim (1964) talked about anomie—a sense of normlessness or disorientation in society. To understand this a bit better, we can use the Wikipedia definition "In sociology, anomie or anomy is a social condition defined by an uprooting or breakdown of any moral values, standards or guidance for individuals to follow."


When we encounter a glitch, it serves as a fleeting instance of disruption in the fabric of our everyday lives. It is akin to a brief interlude of anomie, where the familiar guidelines and expectations that govern our existence are momentarily suspended, leaving us in a state of disorientation and uncertainty. In these moments, we are compelled to confront the fundamental nature of our reality and to question the very foundations upon which our perception of the world is built.


The experience of a glitch can evoke a range of emotions, from mild unease to profound existential dread. It forces us to grapple with our deepest fears and anxieties, prompting us to contemplate the possibility that the world we inhabit may not be as stable or predictable as we once believed. The unsettling nature of glitches underscores the fragility of our understanding of reality and exposes the inherent vulnerability of our perception.


At the heart of our unease lies a series of profound existential questions: Are we merely players in a vast simulation, unwitting participants in a grand experiment orchestrated by forces beyond our comprehension? Is the world as we perceive it merely a construct of our own minds, a fragile illusion that could be shattered at any moment?


Ultimately, the experience of a glitch serves as a potent reminder of the limitations of human knowledge and the inherent uncertainty that underpins our perception of the world. It invites us to embrace the ambiguity and complexity of existence, challenging us to confront our deepest fears and uncertainties with courage and curiosity.



Examples


Let’s look at some real-life examples that have gone viral.



The Social, Cultural + Political Impact of "Glitches"


But why do these stories resonate so deeply? Well, it might be because they tap into our inherent need for control and understanding (Leotti, Iyengar, and Ochsner, 2010). When something inexplicable happens, it challenges our perception of reality and forces us to confront the possibility that our world might not be as stable or predictable as we’d like to believe. It’s a psychological coping mechanism—we tell ourselves these stories to process the uncertainty and chaos of life.


The "Glitch in the Matrix" phenomenon isn’t just limited to personal experiences—it’s also a major theme in pop culture. Think about how many movies, TV shows, and even video games play with the idea of reality being distorted or manipulated. Shows like Black Mirror and movies like Inception explore these themes, making us question what’s real and what’s not.


These cultural representations aren’t just for entertainment. They reflect our collective anxieties about technology, surveillance, and the nature of existence itself. In a world where we increasingly rely on technology to mediate our experiences, the line between the real and the virtual is becoming blurrier (there's that hyperreality theme again!). The glitch becomes a metaphor for our fears about losing control over our own reality.


Moreover, the fascination with glitches in the matrix extends beyond the realm of entertainment and popular culture. It delves into philosophical inquiries about the nature of reality and the limits of human perception. The concept of a simulated reality, akin to a glitch in the matrix, raises profound questions about the authenticity of our experiences and the very fabric of existence. Where do we come from? Who are we? What happens after we die? Are we even real? Those are just some questions that might be evoked. I'm sure you have your own too!


As society and people in society grapple/s with rapid technological advancements and the omnipresence of digital interfaces, the notion of a glitch in the matrix takes on new significance. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of our increasing reliance on technology and the digital realm. The fear of losing touch with the tangible, physical world is encapsulated in the metaphorical glitch, prompting introspection about the balance between the virtual and the real.


Furthermore, the prevalence of the glitch in popular culture reflects a broader cultural shift towards questioning established norms and realities. In an era marked by uncertainty and rapid change, narratives that challenge traditional perceptions of reality resonate deeply with audiences seeking to make sense of a complex and evolving world. The glitch in the matrix symbolises a disruption in the status quo, inviting contemplation on the fluidity of truth and the malleability of perception.


So as we've discussed some epistemological challenges, we also might want to consider here the implications of glitches in the matrix - these can be social, political, and cultural to an extent. Questions may be raised about the nature of knowledge and truth. This could lead to discussions about the reliability of information in politics and the role of misinformation in shaping public opinion. Trust in institutions may change. For example, if individuals start questioning the fundamental nature of reality due to personal experiences with glitches, they may also begin to question the trustworthiness of institutions, including political entities. This could impact voter behaviours and attitudes towards governments.


And finally, social cohesion - Shared beliefs and a common understanding of reality are essential for social cohesion. Instances of reality glitches could potentially disrupt this shared understanding, leading to societal divisions that could manifest in political movements or conflicts. Overall, while the glitch in the matrix phenomenon itself may not have direct political implications, the broader implications related to perception, truth, and societal cohesion could indirectly influence political landscapes.



Conclusion + Reflection


So, what can we take away from all of this? The "Glitch in the Matrix" is more than just a quirky internet phenomenon. It’s a window into our collective psyche, revealing our deepest fears and questions about reality. Whether you believe these glitches are real or just tricks of the mind, they’re undeniably powerful. They challenge our understanding of the world and force us to confront the unknown, often leading us to existential dread.


But maybe, just maybe, the next time you experience a glitch, instead of being freaked out, you can see it as a reminder of how beautifully complex and mysterious our reality really is.


Let me know in the comments below if you've ever experienced a glitch in the matrix!


Thanks for reading/watching!


See you next time!

Ash xoxo








References/Readings


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Gast
15. Sept.
Mit 5 von 5 Sternen bewertet.

I love learning about things like this. I definitely believe this happens.


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ashey9111
16. Sept.
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Thank you for sharing! :)

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