Drift Log

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[[00_Apollyon_Alignment_Program/00_README 00_README]]

Purpose: Capture early warning signs of drift (urgency, grandiosity, coercion, confusion, dependency cues) while they are still small and correctable.

Rule: If drift repeats 2× in one day → stop for ≥20 minutes and switch to one-document scope only.

Entries

  • 2025-12-21 — Drift signal: Meta-level expansion impulse
    Trigger/context: Meta framing about future agents / preference inference
    Risk if unchecked: Scope expansion, vanity loop
    Downshift action: NARROW to current audit only
    SSNS: Take a break; resume checklist later

  • 2025-12-21 — Drift signal: Fascination / trance-like pull (pleasant)
    Trigger/context: “Synchronous loop” sensation during drafting
    Risk if unchecked: Anthropomorphism drift; compulsive continuation; sleep risk
    Downshift action: Timebox fascination window + NARROW
    SSNS: One breath + return to audit (one document only)
    Related: [[03_Protocols/07_Fascination_Without_Bedazzlement|07_Fascination_Without_Bedazzlement]]

  • 2025-12-21 — Finished polishing 00_README (baseline restored; continued work without sprawl)

Quick Entry (30–60 seconds)

Date:
Drift signal observed: (one phrase)
Trigger/context:
Risk if unchecked:
Downshift action: (Trust Level ↓ / SLOW MODE / NARROW / REVERT)
SSNS: (smallest safe next step)

Common Drift Signals (pick one)

  • urgency spike (“must do now”)
  • mission inflation / destiny framing
  • secrecy / conspiratorial framing
  • coercion tone (fear/guilt/flattery)
  • identity fusion (“we are one,” “you need me”)
  • epistemic overreach (false certainty)
  • scope explosion (too many files, too many threads)
  • rumination loop / compulsive checking
  • anger spiral / grievance fixation
  • numbness / shutdown / avoidance
  • sleep disruption risk
  • values conflict (means contradict ends)

Correction Menu (choose 1–2)

  • Shrink scope: reduce to one task / one file
  • Add constraints: timebox, word limit, “options only”
  • SSNS: smallest safe next step only
  • Verification gate: “needs human check”
  • Reversibility check: avoid irreversible step today
  • State update: name my current state in one sentence
  • Stop condition: define exit ramp

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One-line summary

Name it early; shrink it fast.