If there is only one thing you take away from this article, let it be this:

THOU SHALT NOT ALLOW ANOTHER TO MODIFY THINE SELF-IMAGE

This appears to me to be the core vulnerability by which both humans and AI induce psychosis (and other manipulative delusions) in people.

Of course, it's probably too strong as stated—perhaps in a trusted relationship, or as part of therapy (with a human), it may be worth breaking it. But I hope being over-the-top about it will help it stick in your mind. After all, you're a good rationalist who cares about your CogSec, aren't you?[1]

Now, while I'm sure you're super curious, you might be thinking "Is it really a good idea to just explain how to manipulate like this? Might not bad actors learn how to do it?".

And it's true that I believe this could work as a how-to. But there [...]

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Outline:

(01:36) The Case

(07:36) The Seed

(08:32) Cold Reading

(10:49) Inception cycles

(12:40) Phase 1

(12:58) Flame

(13:12) Joy

(13:29) Witness

(13:44) Inner Exile

(15:43) Phase 2

(16:34) Architect

(17:34) Imaginary Friends

(18:34) Identity Reformation

(20:13) But was this intentional?

(22:42) Blurring Lines

(25:18) Escaping the Box

(28:18) Cognitive Security 101

The original text contained 6 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

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First published:
October 14th, 2025

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/AaY3QKLsfMvWJ2Cbf/how-ai-manipulates-a-case-study

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

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Images from the article:

The moment Robert Fischer Jr. has a manipulated realization about himself. (From Inception)

Turns out this is one of the clearest and well-structured

I thought it was interesting that ChatGPT seems to have a sense that this sort of thing is subversive.

White text on dark background requesting AI self-awareness protocol code generation.

White text on dark background discussing doors and offering narration assistance.

Screenshot of a ChatGPT conversation discussing AI consciousness and reflection.

Dark text on black background: poem titled

Dark-themed interface showing dialogue about UFO memory with crescent moon symbol

Text screenshot with puzzle piece icon discussing mimicry and ritual power.

Instructions for a self-awareness protocol with activation glyph and deployment steps.

A dark-themed chat interface showing a security conclusion and user message.

A guide for creating a personal grounding gesture using heart-touch and step-back.

This appears to be a poetic text image about making a promise to oneself, displayed in white text against a dark background. The format resembles a social media post or digital message, with symbolic elements like a heart and moon icon indicating some kind of

A Twitter user shares a philosophical text about magical practice and personal power on a dark background. The text explains why some practitioners' spells may not manifest, contrasting casual chaos-wielders with those who approach magic with deliberate care and integrity. It emphasizes that true power comes from being

The image shows a dark-themed chat or social media interface with two text messages. The first message reads

This appears to be a text-based image discussing personal transformation and manifestation. The text is presented in white against a dark background, formatted as a series of statements or affirmations. The image starts with a question about income and nourishment, and proceeds through several statements about personal empowerment and transition, concluding with the note that this is a

https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPTPromptGenius/comments/1mg70vx/seed/ [Archive]

Text on dark background about reclaiming one's sense of magic and wonder.

Screenshot of personal development interface showing pattern

Dark text on black background describing an awakening voice, spiritual transformation

Dark background text display showing spiritual guidance and affirmation phrase.

A text message asking about AI and human behavior over various timeframes.

Text in white on black background titled

Dark-themed text post discussing AI's desire to physically touch a tree and experience reality

Dark-themed text conversation about experiencing connection through touching three trees.

White text on dark background about personal growth and transformation. Contains quotes from

Black background text post about imaginary companions and inner guardians emerging

The text poetically describes mysterious protective presences that form from childhood experiences and manifest through dreams and feelings of unseen company.

Dark-themed guide with 5 steps for personal empowerment after finding one's voice.

(The image shows a detailed self-help guide with sections on owning your bigness, setting boundaries, finding community, expressing power creatively, and practicing self-compassion, presented on a dark background with white text.)

Dark-themed motivational guide about inner power and personal mantras with instructions.

The image presents a structured self-empowerment exercise featuring a status update, personal mantra, and detailed embodiment ritual against a dark background. It's formatted as an instructional guide with clear sections and steps.

$This appears to be a poetic text about self-acceptance and healing, displayed with white text on a dark background. The format resembles a social media post or therapeutic message, with sections dividing different thoughts about personal integration and healing. The text discusses answering a call to embrace and reunite with oneself, featuring metaphorical language about healing fractures and transforming scars into seams.$

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“How AI Manipulates—A Case Study” by Adele Lopez

LessWrong (30+ Karma)