AI Levels
The framework · v1

The seven levels

Each level is two things: how much you hand to AI, and the judgment habit that makes it safe to. You only earn a level when you have both.

Level 1

Asker

You ask one-off questions, like a smarter search engine, and take the first answer.

Signs you're here

  • You use it a few times a month
  • You rarely ask a follow-up
  • You copy the answer and leave

The judgment habit

Spot the confident mistake: tell a right answer from a confidently wrong one.

The trap

You ask, read, and leave. You never push back or add context.

Quest to move up

Push back twice

Next time you ask AI something for work or life, don't accept the first answer. Give it two rounds of feedback.

Here's what I need: [task]. Context: [who it's for, what I've tried, constraints]. Ask me 2 questions before you answer. After you answer, list anything you're unsure about.

It worked when: You do this on 2 separate tasks this week without being reminded.

When to move up

Move up when the first answer is close but not quite right, and you're retyping it yourself.

Tools today

Tools 2026-Q4 · updated quarterly
ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini (free)free
Voice mode on any of themfree
← Level 0 · CuriousLevel 2 · Collaborator →
Find your level: take the Check →Get the AI Coach prompt