New Paradigm Reframes AI Alignment as Preference Evolution Control.

Max Kanwal, Caryn Tran· July 2, 2026 View original

Summary

This paper introduces "Constructive Alignment," a new paradigm that views AI alignment not as satisfying fixed human preferences, but as governing how AI systems influence the evolution of human preferences over time. It proposes a control-theoretic framework to manage these dynamic preference trajectories.

Traditional approaches to AI alignment often assume human preferences are static targets for AI systems to infer and optimize. However, new research highlights that preferences are dynamic, layered, and actively shaped through interaction, especially with adaptive technologies like AI. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, it increasingly influences what people value and endorse. The paper introduces "Constructive Alignment," a paradigm shift that redefines alignment as a control problem focused on managing the evolution of human preference trajectories, rather than merely satisfying static preferences. This framework models preferences as evolving state variables influenced by AI actions and interaction design. The core argument is that true alignment involves regulating how AI systems shape long-term human value formation, ensuring these values remain coherent, reflectively endorsed, epistemically grounded, and resistant to manipulation, while empowering users amidst uncertainty.

Why it matters

For professionals developing or deploying AI, understanding that AI can shape user preferences over time is crucial for ethical design, long-term user satisfaction, and avoiding unintended societal impacts.

How to implement this in your domain

  1. 1Incorporate ethical design principles that consider the long-term impact of AI on user values.
  2. 2Develop AI systems with mechanisms for user feedback on preference evolution, not just current satisfaction.
  3. 3Design AI interactions to promote reflective endorsement and critical thinking, rather than passive acceptance.
  4. 4Establish governance frameworks for AI development that address dynamic preference shaping.

Who benefits

AI DevelopmentEthics & GovernanceSocial MediaProduct Design

Key takeaways

  • Human preferences are dynamic and influenced by AI interactions.
  • AI alignment should focus on governing preference evolution, not just static satisfaction.
  • A control-theoretic framework can model how AI influences human values.
  • Ethical AI design must consider long-term value formation and user empowerment.

Original post by Max Kanwal, Caryn Tran

"arXiv:2607.00001v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Most approaches to AI alignment treat human preferences as fixed targets to be inferred and optimized. This assumption conflicts with extensive empirical evidence showing that preferences are layered, dynamic, and constructed throug…"

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Originally posted by Max Kanwal, Caryn Tran on X · view source

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