Hardwired

Hardwired describes a characteristic or behavior that is deeply ingrained, innate, or pre-programmed, as if physically connected or built-in. It suggests something not easily changed or modified, reflecting a fundamental aspect of a system, organism, or individual. The term implies a fixed, automatic, and often unconscious response or function, resisting external influence or learned behaviors. It often applies to biological instincts, software systems designed to operate with unchanging code, and ingrained psychological traits. This state of being often implies a lack of flexibility or adaptability, contrasting with learned or adaptable behaviors.

Hardwired meaning with examples

• Evolution has hardwired survival instincts into many animals. Faced with a predator, the fight-or-flight response triggers automatically. Similarly, certain emotional reactions, like the aversion to extreme heights, often arise from deep-seated, inherited predispositions that are considered hardwired. It is nearly impossible to learn to overcome these instincts.
• The security protocols in the spaceship were hardwired, preventing any external access or tampering with the control systems. This ensures that even in the face of attacks from another civilization, or a loss of communication, all essential functions operate as designed. Therefore, the systems can maintain their integrity and continue to function without issue.
• For many, the tendency to check their phones compulsively is hardwired due to social media and the notifications. This leads to an automatic urge to connect and check messages. Some suggest the constant stimulation from dopamine makes it difficult to resist the impulse. This reaction may be difficult to override, even with conscious effort.
• The software's initial architecture was hardwired to process data in a specific sequence. This limited its ability to adapt to changing data formats, which created inefficiencies as updates needed to accommodate new information. The lack of flexibility was a known drawback because it can't take advantage of dynamic changes.