Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M1898

Lindy Effect

Lindy Effect
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

For non-perishable things, the longer they have existed, the longer their expected remaining lifespan; their future lifespan is proportional to their current age.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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The Lindy effect (also known as Lindy's law) is a theorized phenomenon by which the future life expectancy of some non-perishable thing, like a technology or an idea, is proportional to its current age. Thus, the Lindy effect proposes the longer a period something has survived to exist or be used in…

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For things that do not naturally decay (such as books, technologies), their expected remaining lifespan is proportional to how long they have already existed—the older they are, the longer they may last.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindy_effectZH · Explicit
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