What is the Ripple Effect: The Phenomenon Known as the Ripple Effect

The phenomenon known as the ripple effect may surprise you. It seems that even the expression ripple effect has rippled over a number of centuries and probably will continue to ripple further, as time goes on. 

The Freedictionary.com refers to ripples as undulations or waves in water or solids, as well as movement in terms of sound waves. As well, there is a comb-like instrument referred to as a ripple.

The expression ripple effect appears later on the horizon as “a gradually spreading effect or influence”, that is applicable to all of us, in one way or another.

Consider the following example of a ripple.

To the man standing beside by a still pond, a quiet peace reigns. The water is undisturbed except for the ripple effect created by a small fish moving about.

Here is another example.

A ripple of muffled laughter resonates around the room, as a speaker makes a comment that only a few comprehend.

The Random House Dictionary suggests the ripple effect implies “a spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single action or event.”

The Collins English Dictionary expands its meaning further by stating it is “the repercussions of an event or situation experienced far beyond its immediate location.”

Where do we experience the ripple effect in our era?

Taking a modern day example, like a random act of kindness, proves interesting. Because of one act of kindness, many acts of kindness may follow. Each initiates other acts of kindness in a growing response to the initial act.

Using another, modern day example, this time as cyber bullying, helps to put the ripple effect into perspective but this time, it is in an adverse or negative light.

Why is the ripple effect of concern for the future of the world?

When one examines today’s world in the light of the phenomenon of the ripple effect, it becomes apparent that every act, positive or negative, has a potential ripple effect in one way or another. That also implies that there are definite repercussions that may be positive and negative.

Going back to the image of the man beside the pond for a moment, one sees the movement of the fish increasing the oxygenation of the water. This is a good phenomenon.

Using the example of the muffled laughter, it can resonate around the world thereby mocking, destroying and even eradicating acts of kindness.

The ripple when used with flax seed combs out or removes the vestiges of anything that might harm good seed.

Undulations or earth quivers occur after an earthquake. Shock waves resound around the world when there is a phenomenon happening like SOPA or PIPA.

Perhaps what one must suggest that the ripple effect of virtually anything that is negative may go unrecognized. When it is too late to do anything, it acts like a destructive tsunami.

When the ripple effect works in a positive direction, the good that results may spread around the globe. Such is the power of the positive in terms of the good.