The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Democratic Processes: Potential Benefits and Challenges The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about significant changes in various sectors, inclu
📋 Exam Question
Read the material below about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in democratic processes.
Write a text in which you discuss some of the potential benefits and challenges of the use of AI in democratic processes in an English-speaking country of your choice. Use examples from the material below in your answer. You may also use other material you find relevant.
Text A:
The dangers are clear: AI-generated lies could be more convincing than human-generated disinformation, and AI brings with it the threat of narrative uniformity. Call it synthetic disinformation.
Text B:
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi employed an AI-powered communication platform called NaMo to communicate with voters via messaging apps, providing them personalized information and answering their questions in real-time. In addition to it, Narendra Modi also used holographic technology to address multiple rallies simultaneously in different locations across India. This enabled Modi to reach many voters in other parts of the country without physically being present at each site.
Text C:
[A] poll found that nearly 6 in 10 [American] adults (58%) think AI tools — which can micro-target political audiences, mass produce persuasive messages, and generate realistic fake images and videos in seconds — will increase the spread of false and misleading information during [this] year’s elections.
When asked whether it would be a good or bad thing for 2024 presidential candidates to use AI in certain ways, clear majorities said it would be bad for them to create false or misleading media for political ads (83%), to edit or touch-up photos or videos for political ads (66%), to tailor political ads to individual voters (62%) and to answer voters’ questions via chatbot (56%).
The sentiments are supported by majorities of Republicans and Democrats, who agree it would be a bad thing for the presidential candidates to create false images or videos (85% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats) or to answer voter questions (56% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats).
The bipartisan pessimism toward candidates using AI comes after it already has been deployed in the Republican presidential primary.
- [...]
- All texts are excerpts adapted for this exam by Udir.
References:
✏️ Model Answer
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Democratic Processes: Potential Benefits and Challenges
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about significant changes in various sectors, including politics and democratic processes. While AI holds the potential to enhance political campaigns and improve democratic engagement, it also introduces a range of challenges that could undermine the integrity of democratic systems. In an English-speaking country like the United States, AI’s use in elections has already sparked concerns, especially regarding its potential to spread disinformation and influence voter behavior. This essay will explore the potential benefits and challenges of AI in democratic processes, drawing from examples such as India’s use of AI in elections and the growing concern in the U.S. about its role in spreading false information.
Potential Benefits of AI in Democratic Processes …