Proposals for new types of "Cognitive Loads" for us to talk about in Software in 2026 because I'm tired of seeing the word Cognitive:
Allostatic Load
A classic. Nicely biological. Lifespan pov. Really gives that "I have been at sea for the last forty years" vibe. Refers to the cumulative effect of stress in such a way that you could plausibly argue it connects to anything. When you want to bring a causal gun to the knife fight
Mental Load
Evokes householdiness and taskness. Gives you a neutral on affect or cognition. Gestures toward ongoing background monitoring, vigilance, in a way that nicely reflects the feeling of having a roommate who never does the dishes (or teammate)
Belonging Uncertainty Load
I just made this one up but finally! A version of stress that recognizes social cognition not just cognition-cognition (is what I imagine you saying). Distinguishes background radiation of uncertainty and identity threat as a feature. Bonus shows you read psychology
@grimalkina
Vilsen stress: just the same concept as BUL but snappier and more exotic by using a non-english word ("vilsen" is Swedish for "lost").
@grimalkina
Great! I can stop working on this stupid job application!
@tobychev you're hired for the developer science marketing team!