Why Systems Optimized for Metrics Eventually Drift from Reality [pdf]

by realitydrifton 3/11/2026, 2:03 AMwith 1 comments

by realitydrifton 3/11/2026, 2:03 AM

Short concept note describing a structural pattern where systems optimized for proxy metrics gradually lose alignment with the real-world conditions they were meant to measure.

Examples include engagement algorithms, KPI-driven organizations, and benchmark gaming in ML.