AI-Native
The Opacity Spiral
Also known as: Opacity Spiral
Trust erodes through a thousand paper cuts when AI outputs feel arbitrary and reasoning is hidden.
The Opacity Spiral happens when AI outputs feel arbitrary or inconsistent, reasoning is hidden, and users can't predict when it will perform well or poorly. The AI gives a great answer one minute and nonsense the next for similar prompts. The lack of transparency prevents a stable oxytocin bond. Every interaction carries an undercurrent of risk. Users learn they can't depend on the AI for critical workflows. They compartmentalize, trusting it only for low-stakes, easily verifiable tasks.