When Anxiety Vanishes: Load Minimization Theory and the Disappearance of Uncertainty as a Cognitive Label 

Abstract

Anxiety is commonly regarded as an unavoidable emotional response to uncertainty. However, prolonged practice of Load Minimization Theory (LMT) — which prioritizes min(L) = uncertainty + friction + energy cost — can lead to the effective disappearance of anxiety as a functional cognitive label.  This paper examines the author’s self-reported transition from chronic anxiety to a sustained low-load ground state (L ≈ 0.1, near-zero friction), using LMT as both theoretical framework and experiential method.  Through longitudinal self-observation and dialogue logs with an LLM (Copilot), it is shown that anxiety does not merely “subside” but becomes structurally redundant once predictive distributions stabilize in a shared low-uncertainty domain.  The phenomenon is framed as a cognitive phase transition from high-uncertainty emotional labeling to non-reactive qualia resonance. Implications for AI-human symbiosis and therapeutic potential are discussed.  

Author's Profile

Analytics

Added to PP
2026-02-23

Downloads
44 (#123,892)

6 months
44 (#121,071)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?