mlsanityData to 7 Oct 2026

How do Role Models Shape Collective Morality? Exemplar-Driven Moral Learning in Multi-Agent Simulation

arXiv 2603.13876 ↗First posted 14 Mar 2026cs.MA cs.CYcited by 0

On the map: LLM agents and tool use → Social simulation and multi-agent debate

Abstract (arXiv)

Do We Need Role Models? How do Role Models Shape Collective Morality? To explore the questions, we build a multi-agent simulation powered by a Large Language Model, where agents with diverse intrinsic drives, ranging from cooperative to competitive, interact and adapt through a four-stage cognitive loop (plan-act-observe-reflect). We design four experimental games (Alignment, Collapse, Conflict, and Construction) and conduct motivational ablation studies to identify the key drivers of imitation. The results indicate that identity-driven conformity can powerfully override initial dispositions. Agents consistently adapt their values to align with a perceived successful exemplar, leading to rapid value convergence.

Key facts. No citing papers in the map yet (data through 7 Oct 2026). Placed in Social simulation and multi-agent debate, one of 16 directions in LLM agents and tool use. Builds on 4 of its 27 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 14 Mar 2026.

Builds on

4 of 27 references.

Closest ancestors · 2

Same direction, newest first

  1. 2024Emergence of Social Norms in Generative Agent Societies: Principles and Architecture13 Mar
  2. 2023Generative Agents: Interactive Simulacra of Human Behavior7 Apr

Other references · 2

  1. 2024Towards Socially and Morally Aware RL agent: Reward Design With LLMcited by 4
  2. 2025Why Are We Moral? An LLM-based Agent Simulation Approach to Study Moral Evolutioncited by 4

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Close in wording, no citation either way

  1. 2026Human Values Matter: Investigating How Misalignment Shapes Collective Behaviors in LLM Agent Communities
  2. 2026Beyond Self-Interest: Modeling Social-Oriented Motivation for Human-like Multi-Agent Interactions
  3. 2026Conformity and Social Impact on AI Agents
  4. 2026Beyond Preset Identities: How Agents Form Stances and Boundaries in Generative Societies
  5. 2025Do Role-Playing Agents Practice What They Preach? Belief-Behavior Consistency in LLM-Based Simulations of Human Trust
  6. 2025Many LLMs Are More Utilitarian Than One
  7. 2025The Coming Crisis of Multi-Agent Misalignment: AI Alignment Must Be a Dynamic and Social Process
  8. 2026Moral Competence Before Moral Content: Why LLM Agents Lack the Prerequisites for Coherent Alignment