Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M4407

Skin Effect

Skin Effect
BehaviorHigh supportOrganizational Behavior
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

When alternating current passes through a conductor, the current is not uniformly distributed but concentrates near the surface, with almost no current in the center. The higher the frequency, the more pronounced the skin effect (the current tends to flow on the surface).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

A metaphor for the superficiality of high-frequency communication. When the frequency of information exchange is extremely high (e.g., instant messaging, trending topics), content often stays at the surface (emotions, headlines) and fails to penetrate the core (deep thinking, complex logic). To achieve deep communication, the frequency must be reduced (e.g., long letters, weekly reports).

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The skin effect refers to the tendency of high-frequency alternating current to concentrate near the surface of a conductor, reducing the effective cross-sectional area and increasing AC resistance. The higher the frequency, the more the current 'hugs' the surface, affecting transmission and heating.

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Source support: Explicit

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