Recent polling indicates that apprehensions about artificial intelligence (AI) are not confined to academic circles, with a rising level of concern among Americans about potential complications during the upcoming 2024 election cycle. A bipartisan majority of U.S. adults, as revealed by a UChicago Harris/AP-NORC poll in November, expressed worry about AI contributing to the proliferation of false information in the 2024 election.
A separate survey by Morning Consult-Axios showed an increase in the percentage of U.S. adults who believe AI will have a negative impact on trust in candidate advertisements and the overall election outcome. Nearly 60% of respondents anticipate misinformation propagated by AI to influence the ultimate outcome of the 2024 presidential race.
Political campaigns have already embraced AI as a powerful tool, capable of creating convincing fake videos and images that blur the lines between reality and manipulation. Bueno de Mesquita, a contributor to the UChicago poll, emphasized the likelihood of an escalation in the use of AI-generated content by political campaigns in the upcoming election.
The use of AI by political entities has sparked discussions about regulations within both tech companies and government circles. Google and Meta have announced plans to require disclosure when election-related ads involve digitally generated or altered content, with President Biden issuing an executive order in October to establish standards for safety and content authentication.
Despite regulatory efforts, lawmakers are grappling to keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Some political figures, such as Democratic congressional candidate Shamaine Daniels, are incorporating AI tools into their campaigns, highlighting the need to balance concerns about potential misuse with the technology’s positive possibilities.
Experts acknowledge the potential benefits of AI in election cycles, such as aiding voters in identifying candidates aligning with their views and streamlining voter list management. However, concerns persist that AI could exacerbate issues witnessed in previous election cycles, particularly in terms of micro-targeting and the spread of disinformation.
Bueno de Mesquita downplays concerns about micro-targeting, citing evidence that social media targeting alone has not proven decisive in influencing elections. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of public education about the information environment and steering individuals toward authoritative sources.
While some anticipate novel threats from AI in the 2024 election, others argue that the technology may amplify existing challenges rather than introduce entirely new risks. Mitigation strategies should focus on known threats, such as disinformation campaigns, according to Nicole Schneidman, a technology policy advocate.
As AI becomes more sophisticated, challenges in detection technology may arise, prompting the suggestion of “pre-bunking” strategies by election officials to inform the public before encountering potentially misleading AI-generated content. Schneidman advocates for the adoption of digital signatures by election officials and candidates to verify the authenticity of information, thereby fortifying the election information ecosystem.
In conclusion, while concerns about AI’s impact on the 2024 elections are growing, experts stress the need for a nuanced approach that recognizes both the risks and potential benefits of this rapidly advancing technology.
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