AIM Framework glossary
Buffer Inversion
Canonical definition
Buffer Inversion is the phenomenon in which the Belief Heterogeneity Buffer transitions from providing friction (dampening cascade dynamics) to providing amplification (accelerating cascade dynamics) under bipolar conditions. Formally, the p_BH term in the Multiplicative Friction Model transitions from < 1 (dampening) to > 1 (amplifying). Buffer inversion is the specific mechanism that produces the collapse-phase acceleration beyond what coupled failure alone would predict.
Explanation
When disagreement collapses from many competing views into just two hostile camps, the safety mechanism that was slowing things down starts speeding them up, each side's attacks give the other side reasons to attack harder. This is worse than the safety mechanism simply failing; it's the safety mechanism working in reverse. See Belief Heterogeneity Buffer, Bipolar Convergence, Multiplicative Friction Model, Friction Compounding Effect.
Epistemic status
Framework-Specific Construct.