PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
March 16, 2026Scientific Reports0 citationsOpen Access

Exploring quantum Heider balance theory

AKAnahid KianiSFS. Mahdi FazeliGJG. Reza Jafari

Key Points

  • The aim is to adapt Heider's balance theory to a quantum framework to explore complex social relationships.
  • Generalization of Heider's balance theory to quantum mechanics
  • Introduction of creation and annihilation operators and a new Hamiltonian
  • Examination of ground and stable states under disorder (temperature)
  • Identification of unobservable states under classical limitations
  • Reveal of dynamic behaviors unique to quantum social systems
  • Demonstration of a transition from balanced states to a random phase

Abstract

This work generalizes Heider's classical balance theory into a quantum mechanical framework. The core idea is that, just as quantum reality exists in a superposition of possibilities until observed, our real-life social relationships often exist in a subjective superposition of balanced and imbalanced triads, experiencing both stress and relief simultaneously. As classical physics limits our ability to observe these 'entangled' states, we introduced a quantum generalization involving creation and annihilation operators, as well as a new Hamiltonian. This approach reveals inherent, lifelike states within the balance theory that are simply unobservable under classical limitations. Examining the ground and stable states in quantum evolution under disorder (temperature) reveals a transition point from balanced states to a random phase. Our results reveal new dynamic behaviors that are unique to quantum social systems and offer new insights into collective decision-making, conflict resolution and the emergence of order in complex networks.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Kiani et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69b79df38166e15b153ab15fhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43801-4
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper