Alderson loop
when an exit out of a loop exists but only with great difficulty
// updated 2025-11-28 00:35
The Alderson loop refers to a condition in which one enters a loop. Unlike a true infinite loop, an exit out of it exists, but only with great difficulty:
- on an internet browser a modal window, whose height grows taller than the screen, might have a "close window" button that appears hidden by the window's height
- or, a user might need to click outside the modal window to get out of it but the modal window has grown to take up the entire browser space
- a person with financial difficulties can easily get financial relief but does not know where and/or how, due to ignorance and/or hidden information
- Alderson loop on Wikipedia