Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Politics: A Looming Threat to Truth and Democracy
In the rapidly approaching 2024 Election, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a formidable game-changer in the American political landscape. Its user-friendliness and widespread accessibility raise concerns about its potential misuse, particularly in disseminating misinformation and eroding trust in the democratic process.
A Glimpse into the AI-Generated Political Landscape
A recent incident involving a robocall featuring a simulated Joe Biden’s voice urging New Hampshire residents to skip the Democratic primary serves as a stark reminder of AI’s disruptive potential in elections. Deemed unlawful by the state’s attorney general, this incident highlights the possibility of AI influencing voter turnout and undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
AI’s versatility extends beyond robocalls. It can effortlessly generate astroturfed comments, legislative correspondence, and even podcasts that plagiarize from legitimate news sources. The proliferation of such AI-generated content poses significant challenges in distinguishing truth from falsehood, especially in local elections and non-English languages.
Creating Strikingly Realistic Spoofs with Parrot AI
To exemplify the ease of using AI for deception, HuffPost conducted an experiment with Parrot AI, a popular app that enables users to create audio clips of prominent figures uttering any desired words. Within minutes, the app produced remarkably realistic spoofs of Joe Biden legalizing cannabis nationwide and Donald Trump reciting a poem from the movie “10 Things I Hate About You.”
These spoofs underscore the ease with which AI can be harnessed to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion.
The Liar’s Dividend and the Erosion of Shared Reality
The availability of AI-powered tools raises concerns about the “liar’s dividend” – the phenomenon where politicians dismiss inconvenient facts as fake AI material. This tactic undermines public trust and erodes the shared reality that is essential for a healthy democracy.
Political scientist Sarah Kreps emphasizes the importance of maintaining trust in truth and the knowability of facts. She warns that bad actors seek to erode confidence in truth, thereby weakening the democratic system.
Navigating the AI-Generated Information Landscape
Given the prevalence of AI-generated content, it is crucial for voters to remain informed and vigilant. Rather than seeking telltale signs of fake content, which can be challenging, experts suggest verifying information with trusted sources like reliable news media and public officials.
AI-Generated Parody as a Means of Raising Awareness
Some AI developers have adopted an absurdist approach to raising awareness about the issue. On Twitch, AI bots of Donald Trump and Joe Biden engage in a continuous, digitally improvised “debate,” exchanging insults and responding to comments from viewers. This parody stream aims to showcase the realism of AI and encourage viewers to be mindful of potential manipulation.
The Omnipresence of AI Material and the Need for Adaptation
Reese Leysen, CEO of MySentient.AI, compares the current era of AI to the introduction of Photoshop, highlighting the growing presence of AI-generated content in search engines and social media platforms. He emphasizes the need for adaptation and awareness to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Conclusion
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, its impact on politics demands careful attention and proactive measures. It is imperative to protect the integrity of elections, maintain trust in factual information, and empower voters with the skills to discern truth from deception in the AI-driven political landscape.