AI Impact on Political Campaigning
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns, specifically to generate images, text, and voices, has the potential to “muddy the waters” and deepen voter mistrust, according to experts in communication. With the rise of generative AI, it’s expected that AI-generated images will appear more frequently in campaign advertisements. Some experts worry that the ability to manipulate images and audio to a new level of sophistication will further erode public trust in political communications.
Instances of AI Use in Politics
Examples of AI use in politics have already emerged. For instance, a Twitter account affiliated with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign used AI-generated pictures of former president Donald Trump hugging Anthony Fauci. Additionally, New Zealand’s National party used AI-generated images in their political ads, and the Republican National Committee used AI to depict a grim future under a potential second term of President Joe Biden.
Accessibility of AI Tools
However, not all AI-generated content will be readily identified. AI tools are easily accessible and do not require particularly specialized knowledge to use, raising the possibility of AI-generated images and messages becoming more prevalent.
Increased Distrust and Communication Volume
Political consultant and pollster Steve Vancore suggested that the use of AI in campaigns will likely escalate due to the growing volume of political ads and the public’s increasing distrust of political communications. However, the use of AI should be truthful, verifiable, and relevant, he added.
Detection and Counteraction of Misinformation
Despite the potential misuse of AI in political campaigns, there are also tools available for candidates to detect the use of AI-generated images and push back against misinformation. This issue underscores the importance of transparency and ethical considerations in the deployment of AI technology.
