Observer-Internal Record Dynamics and Emergent Spacetime Structure

This paper presents an observer-inclusive, semiclassical framework in which quantum measurement, the emergence of time, and spacetime curvature are unified through the dynamics of record formation. Measurement is modeled as a local, causal stabilization process driven by irreversible record creation within closed quantum systems, eliminating the need for external wavefunction collapse. Time is shown to emerge as a derived quantity proportional to record flux rather than as a fundamental background parameter. Regions of suppressed entropy production correspond to effective “timeless” steady states, while ordinary relativistic proper time is recovered in semiclassical regimes. The framework introduces a covariant, Planck-suppressed coupling between spacetime curvature and local record flow. Record density is defined on invariant causal diamonds using sandwiched Rényi mutual information to preserve Lorentz covariance and ultraviolet regularity. The energetic cost of record formation is compensated via Landauer’s principle, ensuring consistency with the Bianchi identities, null energy conditions, and the no-signaling theorem. The resulting theory is explicitly effective and semiclassical. It makes no claim to a fundamental quantum gravity completion, but provides a consistent, observer-inclusive description of measurement, time, and geometric response compatible with known physical constraints and open to experimental falsification.