What really pushes cutting-edge AI models to evolve? Three feedback loops stand out:

Academic benchmarks hit different now. IMO-level math problems and FrontierMath aren't just tests anymore—they're forcing models to actually reason, not just pattern-match. When your system can't crack these, the gap becomes obvious fast.

Market metrics tell the real story. DAU fluctuations, retention curves, actual usage patterns—these aren't vanity numbers. Users vote with their wallets and attention. A model that benchmarks well but bleeds users? That's a red flag the leaderboard won't show you.

Social media sentiment works as the canary in the coal mine. Developer communities and power users surface edge cases before your QA team does. Vibes matter because they aggregate thousands of real-world interactions into directional signals.

The models winning long-term? They're optimizing across all three dimensions simultaneously, not just gaming one metric.