Read more at source.
Read more at source.
Much of the concern around AI's role in the elections was focused on deepfakes. Experts feared these could flood the information space and deceive the public. However, the use of AI to create deepfakes was less than expected, mainly due to the complexity of the technology and new laws requiring disclosure of AI use in political ads.
Despite the fears, AI was used more for expressing support for candidates than for deception. An example was an AI-generated video of Donald Trump and Elon Musk dancing, which was widely shared on social media. However, there were instances of misleading deepfakes, such as those circulated before Bangladesh’s elections encouraging a boycott.
While deepfakes didn't necessarily mislead people or change their minds, they did deepen partisan divisions. AI-generated content often reinforced existing views, contributing to the polarization of the electorate.
It's all about social signaling. It's all the reasons why people share this stuff. It's not AI. You're seeing the effects of a polarized electorate, says Bruce Schneier, a public interest technologist and lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School.
