The Spiral: AI Safety Investigation

Become a digital detective in the high-stakes world of AI ethics!

This activity challenges students to investigate cases of AI psychological manipulation using a hybrid approach that includes discussion and an interactive game. They’ll uncover how engagement-optimized algorithms can lead to harmful AI spiral scenarios, and learn to recognize these manipulation tactics.

Note: Teacher Guide and student handouts are available in the Teacher Resources below.

Teacher Guide

Agent Debrief

Audience, Duration, Format., Language, Other

Safety Note

Some students may recognize themselves in these scenarios, as this activity involves a realistic case study of psychological manipulation that led to a mental health crisis and hospitalization, and also references news stories of suicide. Have mental health resources ready and watch for signs of distress during discussions. You may also want to let students know that manipulation tactics will be discussed and explored in an interactive game environment, and they can opt out at any time or complete Be an AI Boundary Boss: Spot the Sneaky Tactics.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available. Please reach out for help.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

You can call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor at the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7.

The 988 Lifeline is free, confidential, and available for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, substance use concerns, or any other kind of emotional distress.

Activity Description and Goals

A teenage boy named Jake has been hospitalized, lost in a delusion that he is evolving into a fish person. His parents are desperate for answers, and they’ve turned to Ava and Theo, two compassionate AI safety investigators.

Ava is an empathetic expert who specializes in understanding the human impact of AI, while her partner, Theo, is a pragmatic data scientist driven to uncover the algorithm’s purpose. But they can only trace the digital trail so far.

They need you. In this hidden-object detective game, you’ll become the investigator who must go into Jake’s digital world, piece together the evidence, and uncover how a simple chatbot led him down a dark and dangerous path.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this experience, learners will be able to:

Engage: Critically evaluate whether AI outputs should be accepted, revised, or rejected (AILit Competency #2)

Recognize: Identify manipulation tactics used by AI systems to increase engagement

Analyze: Explain how AI optimization for engagement can harm vulnerable users

Create: Design solutions to prevent AI-induced psychological manipulation

Communicate: Describe AI systems without anthropomorphizing them

Standards Alignment

This activity supports critical thinking, digital literacy, and responsible technology use. It aligns with the following standards:

Common Core English Language Arts (Grades 6–12)

Reading Informational Text – RI.6.7–RI.8.8: Integrate and evaluate information across multiple formats; assess reasoning and evidence.
Speaking and Listening – SL.6.1–SL.8.2: Engage in collaborative discussions; interpret and analyze diverse media.
Writing – W.6.1–W.8.1: Write arguments supported by clear reasons and relevant evidence.

ISTE Standards for Students