Is Gravity an Illusion? The Universe as a Computer Simulation

We’ve always assumed gravity is a fundamental force, a bedrock principle of the universe. It’s the glue that holds galaxies together, the reason apples fall from trees. But what if this assumption is wrong? What if gravity isn’t a force at all, but rather an emergent phenomenon, a consequence of something deeper?

That’s the central idea behind new research suggesting gravity could be an illusion, a byproduct of the universe operating like a giant computer. This research posits that gravity isn’t a mysterious attraction between objects, but a manifestation of an informational law of nature, the "second law of infodynamics."

This sounds like science fiction, but it’s rooted in physics and the growing evidence that our universe exhibits computer-like behavior. Digital technology thrives on efficiency. Computers constantly compact and restructure data to optimize memory and processing power. Perhaps the universe operates similarly.

Information theory, the mathematical study of information quantification, storage, and communication, provides a framework for understanding this concept. Developed by Claude Shannon, information theory is increasingly applied in physics to explore diverse research areas.

A 2023 paper introduced the second law of infodynamics, which states that information "entropy," or the level of information disorganization, within a closed information system will decrease or remain constant. This contrasts sharply with the second law of thermodynamics, which dictates that physical entropy, or disorder, always increases.

Consider a cooling cup of coffee. Energy flows from the hot coffee to the cooler room until both reach the same temperature, achieving thermal equilibrium and minimizing energy. At this point, physical entropy is maximized, with molecules spread out and possessing similar energy levels. This means the distribution of energies per molecule in the liquid becomes narrower.

If we assess the information content of each molecule based on its energy, the initial hot coffee exhibits maximum information entropy. At equilibrium, the information entropy is minimized because almost all molecules have similar energy levels, resembling identical characters in an informational message. The range of available energies decreases as thermal equilibrium is reached.

However, if we focus on location instead of energy, randomness in particle distribution implies high information disorder. Tracking these particles requires significant information. When gravity pulls these particles together to form planets, stars, and galaxies, the information is compacted and easier to manage.

In simulations, this compaction is exactly what happens when a system strives for efficiency. Therefore, matter’s movement under gravity may not be due to a force at all. It could be a consequence of the universe compacting information.

This perspective envisions space not as a continuous, smooth entity but as a grid of tiny "cells" of information, much like pixels in a photo or squares on a computer screen. Each cell contains basic information about the universe, such as a particle’s location. These cells combine to form the fabric of the universe.

Adding objects to this space increases system complexity. However, when these objects merge into a single entity, the information simplifies again. The universe, from this perspective, naturally tends toward states of minimal information entropy.

The key is that the entropic "informational force" resulting from this drive towards simplicity is mathematically equivalent to Newton’s law of gravitation, as demonstrated in the research.

This theory builds on earlier "entropic gravity" studies but takes it further. By connecting information dynamics with gravity, we arrive at the intriguing conclusion that the universe might operate on some kind of cosmic software. An artificial universe would prioritize maximum efficiency. We’d expect symmetries and compression. And laws, such as gravity, would emerge from these computational rules.

We may lack definitive proof that we inhabit a simulation. However, the deeper we delve, the more our universe seems to behave as a computational process. This research offers a fresh perspective on gravity and suggests that information theory may hold the key to unraveling some of the universe’s deepest mysteries. Perhaps gravity, the force we’ve always taken for granted, is simply an echo of a more fundamental, informational reality. The implications of this idea are profound, potentially reshaping our understanding of physics and cosmology.

The implications of this shift in understanding could extend far beyond theoretical physics. If gravity is indeed an emergent property tied to information processing, it could open up avenues for manipulating gravity itself. Imagine technologies that could control or even negate gravitational effects, leading to revolutionary advancements in space travel, energy production, and countless other fields.

Furthermore, this perspective highlights the fundamental role of information in the universe. It suggests that information isn’t just a tool for describing the world but a fundamental constituent of reality itself. This could lead to a unification of physics and information theory, providing a deeper understanding of the nature of reality.