fluctueringers

Fluctueringers are a theoretical construct used in complexity science to describe entities that undergo rapid, irregular fluctuations between a finite set of states. Each fluctueringer occupies a local discrete state and transitions to neighboring states according to a stochastic rule that depends on nearby units and random perturbations.

Origin and terminology: The term fluctueringer combines 'fluctuation' with the agent-like suffix -eringer; the concept was introduced in a 2012 article by Soto and Kwan to illustrate non-equilibrium dynamics in coupled systems.

Properties: The typical state space is small (three to seven states). Transition probabilities are influenced by local interactions and noise, yielding non-Markovian dwell times when coupling is strong. Fluctueringers can form patterns such as clusters, traveling fronts, or synchronized groups depending on topology and noise.

Applications: In modeling, they serve as a benchmark for how micro-level randomness can drive macro-level phenomena in social, ecological, and material systems. They are used mainly in simulations and theoretical studies rather than direct empirical identification.

Reception and limitations: Fluctueringers remain a theoretical construct without a direct empirical counterpart. They are valued for illustrating certain dynamical mechanisms, but critics caution that model-specific assumptions may limit generalizability.