positive feedback
an arms race is an example of a positive feedback loop. i pick up a stick. you pick up a rock. i get a spear. you get a sword. i get a gun. you get a cannon. i get a missile. you get a nuke. i get 10. you get 100. and so forth. it doesn't really matter who picked up the first stick. both of us quickly end up with as many weapons as we can possibly build. there are more examples. everyone's familiar with that super loud screech when the microphone gets too close to the speakers. global temperatures are another. raise temperatures. evaporate more water from the oceans. which act as a greenhouse gas. which raises temperatures more. etc. technology is another. invent something. use it to improve the economy. now you can invest in more technology. and invent more things. which improve the economy. etc. positive feedback is fun.