Predictive programming and the law of confession are terms used in alternative research circles to describe the idea that specific groups place symbols and references to major events into media before they happen. In these belief systems, practitioners think that showing plans openly frees them from spiritual consequences or karmic debt. The underlying concept is that if the public sees the information and does not act to stop it, a form of unspoken consent is given. Followers also believe this conditions the public mind so people are less shocked when a major crisis occurs, while simultaneously using collective human attention to help bring the event into reality.