Both dead and alive Schrödinger’s Cat paradox illustrates that in quantum theory, quantum particles can exist in a superposition of states at the same time and collapse down to a single state upon interaction with other particles.(1) The 'observer' effect causes these two %50 possibilities to collapse into a single possibility. Moreover, the very same result goes for diplomacy and how we react to the news made in this regard. It is just as possible for the diplomatic bonds to die as it is for it to survive.
Depends also on us since we, as individuals became an undeniably important figures under the umbrella of international relations processes.
The idea of quantum diplomacy first came about in a conversation between former US Secretary ofState George P. Schultz and theoretical physicist Sidney Drell, which they recalled as looking like this. ‘As soon as you observe something in physics it changes, so it’s very hard to really observe something,’ says Drell. Schultz replies ‘In diplomacy, you put a TV camera around something, it’s not the same.’ (2)
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
The widespread use of both social media and smartphones help us to reach to the ‘insider’ information and cameras. The shooting angle of these cameras and the way that some discourses made about certain situations have become capable of causing great damage to the intra-state and inter-state ecosystems. Therefore, the observer can see the cat’s destiny in various resources, in various ends. On the other hand, observer should be well aware that what s/he sees out on the cameras and social media do not always reflect the reality. Because of this variation, images from the same experiment took place at the same time and place can project highly contrasting, manipulative, and triggering information about the cat's fate.
Why? Because the intentions of the observers who present these images to us through social media may be ‘different' than their caption.
Misinformation has always been present in our lives, but with the Trump effect, their presence began to rise rapidly in the internet habitat. In order to believe and react about the cat’s claimed state, every internet user must fact check about the served images, videos and of course the rumors.
Fake news can be strategically pumped by algorithmic bots to internet audiences that are filtered based on their digital footprints. Means that we are willingly followed and chosen by some peoplewho obviously are not well intentioned.
Considering the very tense world agenda we face, we have to rise our awareness about the content served us to consume and share. If not, these bots and created fake accounts can irreversibly disrupt the already chaotic international agenda by creating some lynching campaigns on the internet.
Thus, even if the cat inside the box is alive, the resulting chaos that observer caused can kill it. If a potential peace is on the horizon the fake news can destroy it. Regardless of your beliefs, thoughts, or culture, fact checking the news that targets the group you oppose, before reacting, can be the greatest contribution you can make on an individual level to the virtual society you surf in.
References
(1) Dr. Christopher S. Baird, 2013, What did Schrodinger's Cat Experiment Prove?, Science Questions with Surprising Answers https://www.wtamu.edu/~cbaird/sq/2013/07/30/what-did-schrodingers-cat-experiment-prove/
(2) Katharina Höne, 2016, Quantum Diplomacy – ideas from the other side of the looking glass?, DiploFoundation, https://www.diplomacy.edu/blog/quantum-diplomacy-ideas-other-side-looking-glass/
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