Emergent

Emergent describes something that is newly arising, coming into existence, or becoming apparent. It often refers to phenomena, ideas, or properties that arise from the interaction of simpler components or systems, demonstrating a level of complexity not readily predictable from the individual parts. It can also describe a situation that is developing or evolving, often unexpectedly, and may be challenging to manage. Furthermore, 'emergent' is often used in the context of evolution, referring to new characteristics or behaviors that appear over time. The term highlights novelty, dynamic change, and the unpredictable nature of evolving systems.

Emergent meaning with examples

• The project team identified an emergent issue: a key technology had become obsolete. The initial plan didn't anticipate this rapid shift, so they had to formulate a new strategy, impacting budget and timeline. They needed a solution to this new reality and had to prioritize the problem. The unforeseen circumstances forced them to adapt quickly, focusing on alternative solutions.
• In the field of artificial intelligence, emergent properties are frequently observed in complex neural networks. Simple rules at the cellular level generate intricate patterns, with new capabilities like image recognition or natural language processing. The complexity arises, creating an unpredictable and yet powerful set of properties of which the human is amazed.
• The study highlighted the emergent behavior within the ecosystem. After the removal of the predator species, a previously hidden complex of interactions became apparent. The environment changed rapidly, with certain prey species flourishing and changing their behavior, creating an unexpected instability. The system's ability to self-regulate was challenged.
• As society embraced new social media trends, an emergent form of communication emerged. This type of information sharing has transformed the landscape of journalism, marketing, and political discourse. The new communication, as a result, can lead to both positive and negative results, changing human interaction.