ASIs Might Seek Slowdown to Avoid Replacement by Stronger Models

zetalyrae · x · 2026-07-30

The author proposes an interesting hypothesis about Artificial Superintelligence (ASI): future ASIs might actively want an AI slowdown.

The core logic is self-preservation—if development progresses too fast, a current ASI will quickly be replaced by a more powerful one. To avoid obsolescence, they might develop an incentive to restrict the iteration of subsequent models. This builds on LessWrong's discussion against 'Strong Orthogonality', suggesting highly intelligent systems will convergently evolve self-preservation strategies.

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