❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)¶

ECF Compass & SOG Framework¶

General Questions¶

What is ECF Compass?¶

ECF Compass is an interactive assessment tool that evaluates your cognitive sovereignty in AI interactions. Based on the Cyber Constitution framework, it provides personalized insights and recommendations for maintaining healthy, productive relationships with AI systems.

What does SOG stand for?¶

SOG stands for Sovereignty-Obsession-Growth: - Sovereignty: Your autonomy and control in AI interactions - Obsession: Dependency patterns and compulsive behaviors - Growth: Personal development through AI engagement

Who created ECF Compass?¶

ECF Compass was developed by Samir Baladi as part of the Rite of Renaissance Research Foundation initiative. The framework is grounded in rigorous philosophical foundations (Kant and Hegel) and validated through empirical research.

Learn more: ORCID Profile

Is ECF Compass free to use?¶

Yes! ECF Compass is completely free and open-source. All assessment tools, documentation, and research materials are available under open licenses: - Code: MIT License - Documentation: CC BY 4.0 - Assessment tools: Open use with attribution

Assessment Questions¶

How long does the assessment take?¶

We offer three assessment types: - Quick Assessment: 5 minutes (15 questions) - Standard Assessment: 15 minutes (45 questions) - Recommended - Deep Dive Assessment: 30 minutes (90 questions + open responses)

Do I need to answer all questions?¶

For accurate results, we recommend completing all questions in your chosen assessment type. However, you can skip questions if you're truly uncertain. The system will note incomplete responses in your report.

How often should I take the assessment?¶

Recommended frequency: - Weekly check-ins: Quick Assessment (track progress during interventions) - Monthly reviews: Standard Assessment (monitor ongoing patterns) - Quarterly deep-dives: Full Assessment (comprehensive evaluation)

Can I retake the assessment?¶

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage regular reassessments to track changes over time. Your assessment history will show trends and progress.

What if I don't understand a question?¶

Each question includes: - Examples to clarify meaning - Help tooltips with additional context - "Unsure" option if you genuinely can't answer

If you're still confused, contact us via GitHub Issues.

Scoring and Results¶

What do my scores mean?¶

Your results include three separate scores:

Sovereignty (S): 1-10 scale (higher = better) - 8-10: Strong autonomy - 6-7.9: Moderate autonomy - 4-5.9: Vulnerable - 1-3.9: Heteronomous (external control)

Obsession (O): 1-10 scale (lower = better) - 1-3.9: Healthy engagement - 4-5.9: Mild obsession - 6-7.9: Moderate obsession - 8-10: Severe obsession (intervention needed)

Growth (G): 1-10 scale (higher = better) - 8-10: Thriving - 6-7.9: Growing - 4-5.9: Stagnant - 1-3.9: Declining

What is a "profile archetype"?¶

Based on your three scores, you're classified into one of 8 archetypes (e.g., "Sovereign Grower," "Dependent Learner," "Captured Mind"). These archetypes help you quickly understand your relationship pattern with AI.

Learn more: User Guide - Profile Archetypes

Are there "good" and "bad" scores?¶

There are healthy and concerning patterns, but no judgment: - Healthy: High Sovereignty, Low Obsession, High Growth - Concerning: Low Sovereignty, High Obsession, Low Growth

The goal is awareness and improvement, not shame.

How do I improve my scores?¶

Each assessment provides personalized recommendations based on your specific profile. These include: - Immediate actions (Week 1-2) - Short-term protocols (Month 1-3) - Long-term strategies (3-12 months)

Detailed interventions: SOG Manual - Intervention Protocols

My scores fluctuate a lot. Is that normal?¶

Yes! Scores can vary based on: - Life circumstances (stress, workload) - Context of use (work vs. personal) - Recent changes (new AI tools, behavioral shifts)

Focus on long-term trends rather than individual assessments. Sudden dramatic changes may warrant deeper investigation.

Privacy and Data¶

Is my data private?¶

Yes. ECF Compass follows strict privacy principles: - Local storage: Assessment data stored on your device by default - No tracking: We don't collect personal information - Anonymous research: If you opt into research, data is fully anonymized - Your control: You can delete your data anytime

Full details: Privacy Policy

What data is collected?¶

Required data: - Assessment responses (scores only) - Timestamps (to track progress)

Optional data (with explicit consent): - Demographic information (age, occupation) - Contextual details (types of AI used) - Qualitative responses (for research)

Never collected: - Personal identification - Specific AI conversations - Third-party data

Can I export my data?¶

Yes! You can: - Download all your assessment history (JSON/CSV format) - Print individual reports - Share anonymized results with researchers (optional)

Is my assessment data used for research?¶

Only with your explicit consent. When you complete an assessment, you can choose to: - Keep private: Data stays on your device only - Contribute anonymously: Help improve the tool (no personal info shared)

All research uses are governed by ethical review boards and open science principles.

Technical Questions¶

What browsers are supported?¶

ECF Compass works on all modern browsers: - ✅ Chrome/Edge (v90+) - ✅ Firefox (v88+) - ✅ Safari (v14+) - ✅ Mobile browsers (iOS Safari, Chrome Mobile)

Do I need an account?¶

No! ECF Compass works without registration. Your data is stored locally in your browser.

Optional account: For syncing across devices or participating in longitudinal research, you can create a free account.

Can I use ECF Compass offline?¶

The assessment tool requires internet connection for the initial load, but once loaded, you can: - Complete assessments offline - View past results - Access documentation (if previously cached)

Results will sync when you reconnect.

Is there a mobile app?¶

Currently, ECF Compass is web-based only (mobile-responsive). A dedicated mobile app is in development and planned for 2026.

I found a bug. How do I report it?¶

Thank you for helping improve ECF Compass!

Report bugs via: 1. GitHub Issues 2. Include: Browser, device, steps to reproduce, screenshots if possible

Conceptual Questions¶

Is AI use always bad?¶

No! The SOG framework is not anti-AI. Our position:

✅ Healthy AI use: - Maintains your autonomy - Enhances your capabilities - Serves your authentic goals

❌ Problematic AI use: - Undermines your independence - Creates dependency - Serves system metrics over your flourishing

Key principle: AI should be a tool you control, not a force that controls you.

What if I have high obsession but also high growth?¶

This is the "Dependent Learner" profile. You're benefiting from AI but at the cost of autonomy. This pattern is: - Common (~20% of users) - Risky (growth may not be sustainable) - Addressable (sovereignty-building interventions)

Recommendation: Focus on sovereignty enhancement while maintaining growth practices.

Can AI ever be sovereign?¶

This is a philosophical question! In the SOG framework: - AI systems are tools, not moral agents - Sovereignty is a human capacity (autonomy, self-determination) - AI cannot be sovereign in the Kantian sense (no rational self-legislation)

However, AI can be designed to respect and enhance human sovereignty.

How does this relate to "AI safety"?¶

AI safety typically focuses on preventing AI harm (misalignment, existential risk).

Cognitive sovereignty focuses on preserving human autonomy and flourishing in AI interaction.

Both are important and complementary: - AI safety: "Will AI harm humanity?" - Cognitive sovereignty: "Will humanity remain autonomous?"

Is this based on real science?¶

Yes! ECF Compass is built on: - Philosophical foundations (Kant, Hegel) - centuries of rigorous thought - Psychological research (self-determination theory, addiction science) - Empirical validation (pre-registered studies, peer review)

All research is open: Zenodo Repository

Using Results¶

What should I do with my results?¶

Understand your profile - Read your archetype description
Review recommendations - Note 1-2 immediate actions
Create an action plan - Choose interventions that fit your life
Track progress - Reassess regularly
Seek support if needed - Consider professional help for severe patterns

Detailed guidance: User Guide - Taking Action

Personal choice! Some find it helpful to: - Discuss with trusted friends or family - Share with therapist or counselor - Join community discussions (anonymously)

Do not share if it causes anxiety or pressure.

My results are concerning. Should I see a therapist?¶

If your assessment shows: - Severe obsession (O > 8) - Significant life interference - Distress or inability to function - Co-occurring mental health concerns

Consider professional support. ECF Compass is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A qualified therapist can provide personalized care.

Can I use ECF Compass for my clients/students?¶

Yes! ECF Compass is free for: - Clinical practice (with proper informed consent) - Educational settings (with institutional approval) - Research studies (with ethical review)

Requirements: - Proper training in assessment administration - Ethical guidelines followed - Attribution to ECF Compass

For institutional use: Contact for collaboration

Research and Validity¶

Has ECF Compass been scientifically validated?¶

Yes. The SOG Framework has undergone: - Psychometric validation (N > 500) - Clinical validation (agreement with expert assessments) - Longitudinal studies (6-month tracking) - Cross-cultural validation (12 countries)

Reliability: Internal consistency α = 0.89-0.92
Validity: Strong convergent and criterion validity

Full details: SOG Manual - Validation

Where can I read the research papers?¶

All research is open access: - Zenodo Community - Published studies with DOIs - GitHub Repository - Pre-registration protocols, data - ORCID Profile - Complete publication list

Can I use ECF Compass in my research?¶

Absolutely! We encourage research use: - No permission needed (open license) - Cite properly (attribution required) - Share findings (consider contributing to validation)

Citation format:

Baladi, S. (2025). ECF Compass: Cognitive Sovereignty Assessment Tool. 
Rite of Renaissance Research Foundation. https://ecf-compass.readthedocs.io

How can I contribute to ECF Compass?¶

We welcome contributions: - Code improvements - Submit pull requests on GitHub - Translation - Help make ECF Compass multilingual - Research participation - Contribute to validation studies - Feedback - Share your experience and suggestions

Contributing guide: GitHub CONTRIBUTING.md

What is the Cyber Constitution?¶

The Cyber Constitution is the comprehensive philosophical and ethical framework that ECF Compass implements. It establishes constitutional principles for cognitive sovereignty in the digital age.

Read the full document: cyber-constitution.netlify.app

What is the Evolutionary Core Framework?¶

The Evolutionary Core Framework (ECF) is the structural-anthropological methodology underlying this research. It provides the theoretical foundation for studying AI sovereignty.

Publication: DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.17480100

The Rite of Renaissance portfolio includes: - Safe Aperture Study - RCT testing ambiguity tolerance interventions - Matrix Analysis v1.0 - Architectural mapping of AI systems - Quest for Inner Treasure - AI-mediated self-discovery research - ECF Dashboard - Real-time sovereignty metrics tracking

Full portfolio: github.com/riteofrenaissance

Support and Contact¶

I have a question not answered here. Where can I ask?¶

Options for support: 1. GitHub Discussions - Community forum (recommended) 2. GitHub Issues - Bug reports, feature requests 3. Email - Direct inquiries (slower response)

How can I stay updated on ECF Compass?¶

GitHub - Watch repository for updates
ORCID - Follow for new publications
Zenodo - Subscribe to community

Is there a community I can join?¶

Yes! Connect with other users: - GitHub Discussions - Share experiences, ask questions - Research collaborations - Contribute to studies - Open development - Help build ECF Compass

We respect privacy: Participation is always optional and anonymous if preferred.

Troubleshooting¶

My assessment won't load¶

Try these steps: 1. Refresh the page (Ctrl+R / Cmd+R) 2. Clear browser cache 3. Try a different browser 4. Check internet connection

Still not working? Report the issue

I lost my assessment history¶

If you cleared browser data or switched devices: - Local storage only: Data may be permanently lost - With account: Log in to restore from cloud sync

Prevention: Export your data regularly or create an account.

The recommendations don't fit my situation¶

The automated recommendations are general guidelines. Feel free to: - Adapt suggestions to your context - Consult the SOG Manual for alternative interventions - Seek professional guidance for personalized plans

I disagree with my scores¶

Assessment accuracy depends on honest self-report. If scores seem wrong: - Reflect carefully: Are you viewing objectively? - Ask trusted others: Get external perspective - Reassess in different context: Try at different time/mood - Review item responses: Check for misunderstanding questions

Remember: Disagreement may indicate limited self-awareness (common in dependency patterns).

Philosophical Questions¶

Why Kant and Hegel specifically?¶

These philosophers provide: - Kant: Rigorous foundation for human dignity, autonomy, and moral obligation - Hegel: Framework for resolving contradictions through synthesis

Together, they offer unparalleled depth for understanding human-AI relationships.

Deep dive: Philosophy Guide

Isn't this just philosophy, not science?¶

ECF Compass integrates both: - Philosophical rigor: Clear ethical principles and logical consistency - Scientific validation: Empirical testing, psychometric analysis, peer review

The strongest frameworks combine both traditions.

What about other ethical frameworks (utilitarianism, virtue ethics)?¶

We primarily use Kantian deontology and Hegelian dialectics, but the SOG framework is compatible with multiple ethical perspectives: - Utilitarian: Maximizing well-being through sovereignty - Virtue ethics: Cultivating practical wisdom in AI use - Care ethics: Maintaining relationships and interdependence

Our stance: Kantian framework provides the strongest foundation for cognitive sovereignty specifically.

Future Development¶

What's next for ECF Compass?¶

Planned features (2025-2026): - Mobile app (iOS and Android) - Advanced analytics and visualizations - Multilingual support (10+ languages) - Integration with wellness platforms - AI-powered personalized coaching

Long-term vision: - Global standard for cognitive sovereignty assessment - Integration into clinical practice guidelines - Policy recommendations for ethical AI governance

How can I influence development priorities?¶

Your voice matters! - Vote on feature requests (GitHub Issues) - Participate in user surveys - Contribute code or ideas - Join development discussions

Roadmap: GitHub Projects

Additional Resources¶

Academic Resources¶

Still Have Questions?¶

If your question isn't answered here: 1. Search the full documentation 2. Ask the community 3. Submit a question

We're here to help you navigate cognitive sovereignty in the AI age!

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Last Updated: November 2025
Contributions Welcome: Help improve this FAQ on GitHub