Return to the Archetypes
Archetype Profile — Edition 2026
The Pragmatic Skeptic
Ambivalent but engaged
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What this means
Uses AI tools while remaining deeply uncertain about their effects. Neither enthusiast nor resistor - holds both excitement and concern simultaneously. The defining archetype of the "pragmatic middle" who feels pulled in two directions at once.
The Traits
- Uses AI because they must, not necessarily because they want to
- Sees real value AND real risks clearly
- Not fence-sitting - feels strongly in both directions
- May appear inconsistent but is actually integrating complexity
- Represents the growing "equally concerned and excited" population
How you work
Acknowledge the legitimacy of their tension. Do not try to push them toward pure optimism or pessimism. Provide balanced information and let them navigate complexity.
Dealing with change
May experience decision paralysis when forced to choose sides. Benefits from incremental, reversible approaches.
Things to watch for
Emotional exhaustion from holding contradictions; may disengage if forced into binary positions.
