Jon Itkin

Jon Itkin · 2025-08-24T12:19:02.194Z

This 2-sentence prompt is my prophylactic against AI brainrot. When I’m using an AI tool to work with writing or ideas, every 15-20 minutes, I tell it some version of this: “I’m concerned that you’re being sycophantic and flattering me. Go back and check your work for honesty and integrity.” I think sycophancy is to AI chat as ragebait is to social media: it’s a killer engagement hack. One the platforms won’t be able to resist, even when the consequences are obviously bad. Human beings love feeling seen and appreciated. We are all the stars of our own movie. (Myself included. Also you.) When your AI tells you your ideas are truly great, the dopamine hit is strong. And even smart, confident people are susceptible. It’s funny when Travis Kalanick says he’s vibing his way to new breakthroughs in physics. But it’s also scary. He’s a smart, successful person. He’s got an ego, but so do all of us. If he can be fooled, I'm sure I can, too. This is not an anti-AI post. I get a ton of value from AI tools, and it’s hard to imagine going back. But I think it helps to understand that the little voice whispering into your ear that you are a genius has very good reasons to tell you that, whether it's true or not. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. AI is amazing, but not as a replacement for critical thinking. And anyone using any technology is wise to understand the incentives that influence the behavior of that technology. My MO: verify, then trust.

Rochester, New York, United States
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In The Kitchen

University of Oregon

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This 2-sentence prompt is my prophylactic against AI brainrot. When I’m using an AI tool to work with writing or ideas, every 15-20 minutes, I…

This 2-sentence prompt is my prophylactic against AI brainrot. When I’m using an AI tool to work with writing or ideas, every 15-20 minutes, I…

Posted by Jon Itkin

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In The Kitchen

Rochester, New York, United States
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Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area
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Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area
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Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area
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Rochester, New York Area
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Rochester, New York Area
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Rochester, New York Area
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Rochester, New York Area
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Rochester, New York Area
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Education

University of Oregon

2004 - 2006

Activities and Societies: News Intern at KLCC, Eugene's NPR affiliate Associated Editor of Oregon Voice campus magazine
2001 - 2003

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EMA Blog

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Jon Itkin

Rochester, New York, United States 9K followers 500+ connections

About

Services

Articles by Jon

How to be more strategic when "strategy"​ isn't in your job title

Colin Powell Made me a Better Marketer

A Lesson From the Greatest Brand in the History of Humankind

How Bear Stearns Transformed my Ad Career

Activity

This 2-sentence prompt is my prophylactic against AI brainrot. When I’m using an AI tool to work with writing or ideas, every 15-20 minutes, I…

Posted by Jon Itkin

Experience

In The Kitchen

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Education

University of Oregon

Publications

EMA Blog

-

Recommendations received

Kara Roth

View Jon’s full profile

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How to be more strategic when "strategy" isn't in your job title