Objective Neutrality and the Meaning We Ascribe

Introduction

Our experiences, at their core, exist in a state of objective neutrality. They are simply occurrences—sensory inputs, external events, or internal emotions—until we assign them meaning. This process of meaning-making transforms a neutral event into something significant, shaping our perceptions, behaviours, and identities. But if experience is neutral, what dictates the meanings we attach to it? And how does this process influence our lives?

Experience as Neutral Data

Perception is not a passive reception of reality but an active engagement with it. Merleau-Ponty (1) argued that we interpret the world through the lens of our past experiences, cultural conditioning, and cognitive biases. Two people can witness the same event yet derive entirely different meanings, highlighting the subjectivity of interpretation.

Consider rain on a wedding day. One person might see it as bad luck, another as a sign of renewal. The rain itself is an objective event—neither good nor bad—until meaning is projected onto it. This concept aligns with social constructionism, as explored by Berger and Luckmann (2), who argue that much of what we take for reality is constructed rather than inherently true.

Social and Personal Constructs

Searle (3) differentiates between brute facts—those existing independently of human perception, like gravity—and institutional facts, which only exist because we collectively agree upon them. Money, borders, and even time zones are examples of human constructs given significance through shared belief. Similarly, our personal experiences become meaningful based on the narratives we create around them.

Modern society, especially the digital age, amplifies this process. Social media bombards us with curated content that dictates perceptions of success, beauty, and happiness. This constant stream of stimuli can lead to stress and dissatisfaction when we compare our realities to unrealistic portrayals (4). However, recognizing the neutrality of these stimuli allows us to choose alternative interpretations. A post showcasing luxury and success can either fuel feelings of inadequacy or serve as inspiration—depending on the meaning we ascribe.

The concept of cognitive appraisal, as outlined by Lazarus and Folkman (5), reinforces this idea. How we evaluate and interpret stressors shapes our emotional responses. Viewing online criticism as constructive rather than harmful, for example, can foster psychological resilience rather than distress.

Reframing Experiences

Since we have control over how we interpret our experiences, we can actively work to shape a more positive and adaptive mindset. Here are some strategies for reframing experiences:

• Cognitive Reappraisal: Challenge negative automatic thoughts and replace them with alternative, constructive interpretations. For example, instead of seeing failure as a reflection of incompetence, view it as a learning opportunity (6).

• Mindful Awareness: Pause and assess how you are interpreting a situation before reacting. Mindfulness practices can help increase awareness of your thought patterns and provide space to choose more empowering perspectives (7).

• Gratitude Journaling: Regularly noting positive aspects of seemingly negative experiences can shift perception over time. Studies suggest that gratitude can rewire the brain to focus more on beneficial interpretations (8).

• Exposure to Different Perspectives: Engaging with diverse viewpoints, whether through reading, conversations, or travel, can help break rigid patterns of meaning-making and encourage flexibility in interpretations (9).

• Setting Boundaries with Social Media: If digital stimuli negatively impact your self-perception, curating your online environment to minimize comparison and focus on uplifting content can support mental well-being (4).

Conclusion

Recognizing the neutrality of experience empowers us to take control of our own narratives. By critically examining the meanings we assign to events, we can shift perspectives, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate a more adaptive and resilient mindset.

The next time you encounter a challenging experience—whether in the physical world or the digital realm—consider stepping back and asking: What meaning am I giving to this? And is there an alternative interpretation that could serve me better?

References

1. Merleau-Ponty M. Phenomenology of Perception. Gallimard; 1945.

2. Berger P, Luckmann T. The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge. Anchor Books; 1966.

3. Searle J. The Construction of Social Reality. Free Press; 1995.

4. Twenge J. iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy - and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood. Atria Books; 2017.

5. Lazarus R, Folkman S. Stress, Appraisal and Coping. Springer; 1984.

6. Beck A. Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. Penguin; 1979.

7. Kabat-Zinn J. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and Illness. Bantam; 1990.

8. Emmons R, McCullough M. Counting Blessings versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2003 Feb;84(2):377–89.

9. Dweck C. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House; 2006.