algedonic signal

An algedonic signal is a pre-emptive message concerning pleasure or pain.{{cite book |last1=Allenna Leonard |title=Stafford Beer The Father of Management Cybernetics: Big Data Analysis including Cybernetic Glossary |date=2004 |publisher=Vanilla Beer and Allena Leonard |location=Toronto |url=https://i2s.anu.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/cybernetic_glossary.pdf|author1-link=Allenna Leonard }} An arousal mechanism can generate an algedonic signal, and thus provide an important survival mechanism to a living organism by alerting it to a threat. An example of the disastrous consequences of such a system not being in place is that of a moth attracted by the light of an open flame without recognising the danger of fire.

In the human nervous system a variety of algedonic signals are brought together in the midbrain reticular formation from across the whole body.{{cite journal |last1=Gokhale |first1=Girish Bhagwan |last2=Banks |first2=David A |title=Organisational Information Security: A Viable System Perspective |publisher=We-B Centre & Edith Cowan University |citeseerx=10.1.1.89.7728 }} A source of pain, such as touching a burning surface or treading on broken glass, creates such an algedonic signal which interrupts consciousness and provokes a reflex action.