Abstract: An output of a vision-language model (VLM) can be steered by receiving an input that includes both an image and text, and compositing the image with a universal image configured to elicit specific model activations associated with a targeted behavioral change. The modified image, together with the text, is then supplied to the VLM, resulting in an output that reflects the desired behavioral change. This technique enables steering of the VLM's output without modifying its internal states. The generated output is then provided to an application, process, or system for further utilization. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.