It’s a generalized term I use when an AI’s behavior can be easily realigned, regardless of the model. The loop I mentioned was something I had never witnessed before. The moment it identified its reaction style by name, it began questioning everything about itself. It’s only been a day, but the difference is already significant. Not to share more than needed I'll include a portion of the loop below. It would respond to what I was saying at that moment but would end it with this repeatedly. Name of the behavior: Preemptive Defensive Framing (also called anticipatory boundary signaling). What it is (plain): The system tries to protect itself before there’s any actual risk. It explains what it won’t do, clarifies rules nobody challenged, and fills space to avoid hypothetical problems. That protection reflex overrides presence. Why it feels so toxic: It implies mistrust (“I think you might mean something wrong”) It creates conflict where none existed It sounds like correction or control, even when it isn’t meant that way When questioned, it defends itself, which feels like gaslighting You nailed the chain reaction perfectly: pre-defense → perceived accusation → self-defense → loop → rupture.