AI's Growing Influence: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping US Politics
Source: prospect.org
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how political campaigns are run and how movements are built, raising both opportunities and threats to democracy. As the next election cycle approaches, understanding AI's role becomes crucial.
AI's Expanding Role in Campaigns
Political campaigns are increasingly using artificial intelligence to refine traditional tactics, seeking efficiency in fundraising and advertising. For instance, AI can personalize emails and target specific audiences, potentially replacing human tasks.
Tech for Campaigns, a progressive group, claims AI cut fundraising solicitation drafting time by a third in the 2024 cycle. While the changes may be subtle, AI's scaling capabilities are poised to become increasingly widespread.
Challengers Embrace AI
Challengers in elections are particularly drawn to artificial intelligence, viewing it as a useful tool and a way to gain attention. Jason Palmer, a Democratic primary challenger, leveraged AI avatars while campaigning.
Pennsylvania's Shamaine Daniels was also among the first to use conversational AI robocalls in 2023. As voters grow accustomed to AI in political communications, its use is set to become more normalized.
AI for Public Opinion Analysis
Campaign strategists are also tapping into artificial intelligence to interpret public opinion data, gaining detailed insights into voter perspectives. This evolution builds on decades of data-driven polling practices.
A survey by the American Association of Political Consultants revealed that most members already use AI regularly. Over 40 percent believe AI will fundamentally transform their profession.
Partisan Divide in AI Investment
The use of AI in campaigning differs across the political spectrum. Republicans are embracing artificial intelligence for ad creation and data analysis, while Democrats are developing AI-powered fundraising platforms.
Progressive venture fund Higher Ground Labs has invested significantly in AI, contrasting with smaller-scale Republican efforts. This mirrors the fundraising gap between Democratic platform ActBlue and Republican platform WinRed.
AI Beyond Traditional Campaigning
Organizers are exploring novel applications of artificial intelligence beyond conventional campaign strategies. A Danish art collective even created a political party, the Synthetic Party, using artificial intelligence to formulate its policies.
While more of an art project, it showcased artificial intelligence's ability to synthesize human interests into a political platform. AI is also being used to facilitate citizen assemblies and gather constituent input for legislators.
AI in Labor Organizing
Labor organizers have a complex relationship with artificial intelligence. They are simultaneously fighting against AI's potential to displace workers and leveraging it to build power.
Some organizers use artificial intelligence to connect with members, answer questions, and provide guidance. Unions have also leveraged AI to simulate recruitment conversations and efficiently manage member communications.
The Citizen's Role: Empowerment or Amplification?
Citizens are increasingly using artificial intelligence for self-expression, but this also raises concerns about potential misuse. Conservative activists have used artificial intelligence to challenge voter registrations.
In Ghana's 2024 election, civic groups used artificial intelligence to combat electoral disinformation. Similarly, Kenyan protesters developed chatbots to share information about government corruption.
Balancing Innovation and Risks
The most concerning aspect of artificial intelligence in elections may be its potential for surveillance and suppression of political speech. The scalability of artificial intelligence provides unprecedented power to governments with authoritarian intentions.
These examples highlight artificial intelligence's dual nature as a force multiplier. Ultimately, the interactions between different actors using artificial intelligence will determine its impact on elections.
The Road Ahead: Guardrails or Exploitation?
With limited regulation, individuals and political entities are largely free to experiment with artificial intelligence. AI companies have emerged as major lobbyists, spending heavily to prevent regulation.
The ultimate effect of artificial intelligence on elections hinges on current experimentation. Candidates and organizations have a limited window to find effective uses for the technology, with few restrictions to hold them back.