Summary: 2024 marks a pivotal year where generative AI profoundly influences election dynamics globally. From India’s personalized AI-generated campaign calls to Indonesia’s viral videos of deceased dictators endorsing successors, generative AI’s reach and impact are monumental. This blog unpacks how these tools shape political narratives, fuel misinformation, and alter voter perceptions, and outlines WIRED’s initiative to monitor and understand these trends across over 60 elections worldwide.
Generative AI’s Rise in Global Elections
Many countries are witnessing generative AI’s sweeping impact on their elections this year. In India, voters report receiving AI-crafted personalized phone calls from local candidates, blurring the lines between human interaction and automated messaging. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, a video of a deceased dictator endorsing his political successor went viral, illustrating AI’s potential to manipulate historical figures and influence current political climates.
Case Study: American Samoa’s Primary Election
In an astonishing turn of events, a relatively unknown presidential candidate, Jason Palmer, outperformed President Joe Biden in the American Samoa primaries. Palmer achieved this by sending personalized AI-generated messages directly to voters, showcasing the unprecedented level of engagement and personalization AI can provide. This example underscores AI’s ability to reshape voter perceptions and electoral outcomes.
The Viral Influence of AI-Generated Content
Generative AI doesn’t just personalize messages; it can transform image and video content dramatically. Consider the TikTok videos that portrayed Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s former defense minister and now president-elect, as a charismatic figure. These AI-generated videos amassed more than 19 billion views. Subianto, previously banned from the US for human rights abuses, gained a softer, more favorable public image due to these AI-constructed portrayals.
Amplifying Problems: Misinformation and The “Liar’s Dividend”
Experts highlight the dramatic shift generative AI brings to the information landscape. Traditional issues like misinformation, scams, and hateful content now escalate despite companies’ claims of robust guardrails. A significant concern is the “liar’s dividend.” This phenomenon describes a scenario where the public becomes increasingly skeptical, questioning the authenticity of information—even when it’s true. Fact-checkers and journalists often lack the necessary tools to discern AI-manipulated content, further complicating the trust equation.
WIRED’s Initiative to Track AI in Elections
Recognizing the profound implications of AI on democracy, WIRED is launching a comprehensive project to monitor the use of generative AI in elections. This initiative will track AI’s influence across over 60 elections in 2024, aiming to understand its scope and impact on democratic processes. This effort is crucial for shedding light on how generative AI redefines political engagement and potentially threatens democratic integrity.
The 2024 elections represent a critical juncture in understanding and mitigating the risks associated with generative AI. As we navigate these new waters, the need for vigilant monitoring and sophisticated tools to analyze AI’s impact on elections cannot be overstated. By staying informed and proactive, stakeholders can better safeguard the democratic process from these emerging technological challenges.
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Featured Image courtesy of Unsplash and Glen Carrie (wzKHNVTZmZo)
