Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Unintended effects refer to consequences or outcomes that occur as a result of an action but were not anticipated or intentionally caused.
Related terms
Side Effect: In computer science, side effects refer to changes made by a function or operation that go beyond its primary purpose.
Bug: A bug is an error or flaw in software code that causes unexpected behavior or unintended effects.
Feedback Loop: A feedback loop occurs when outputs of a process are looped back and affect future inputs, potentially leading to unintended consequences.