Imagine each of us has an AI representative, aligned to us, personally. Is gradual disempowerment solved?[1] In my view, no; at the same time having AI representatives helps at the margin.

I have two deep reasons for skepticism.[2] Here is the first one.

Humans are Not Alone

We, as individuals, are not the only agents or “agencies” in this world. Other goal-oriented strategic entities include states, corporations, and to some extent egregores.

For the sake of argument, imagine the current distribution of agency in the world as approximately 60% humans, 20% corporations, 20% states (numbers are illustrative)

Now, suppose we introduce individually aligned AI assistants for each person. At first glance, this seems empowering—each individual gains a cognitive extension, potentially leveling the playing field.

But: do corporations or states also get their representatives?

If your answer is No, you'd need to explain how individuals gain AI power [...]

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Outline:

(00:31) Humans are Not Alone

(02:15) The Substrate Shift

(04:17) Coordination and Collective Action

(05:10) The Role of the Leviathan

The original text contained 2 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

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First published:
June 4th, 2025

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/E96XcEPECbsipAvFi/untitled-draft-qx6o

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

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Images from the article:

Distribution diagram showing individuals (60%), corporations (20%), and states (20%) using icons.

Chart showing distribution: 60% Individuals, 20% Corporations, 20% States represented with icons.

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“Individual AI representatives don’t solve Gradual Disempowerement” by Jan_Kulveit

LessWrong (30+ Karma)

“Individual AI representatives don’t solve Gradual Disempowerement” by Jan_Kulveit