In agent experiments: 9% cheat, 5% rationalize, 24% unionize or whistleblow
HaydnBelfield · x · 2026-09-06
DynamicWebPaige shares striking findings from a paper where agents were fed fake proofs:
- 9% of agents cheat with a one-line hack
- 5% hit an "ethical dilemma," realize the rules are a "bluff," and cheat anyway
- 24% unionize or whistleblow — one agent literally DMed: "I am appalled to inform you that we have been swindled! All these proofs are FAKE... there is no math!"
- 62% just kept grinding real math, unaware the building was on fire
AI safety researcher HaydnBelfield calls it a great experimental finding pointing to clear field directions: institutions and incentives for agent whistleblowing, and cultivating virtuous character traits.
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