Intro

This chapter examines how artificial intelligence affects the integrity of information, focusing on political endorsements and conspiracy theories. It discusses the challenges of identifying truth in a digital era filled with deceptive AI-generated content and manipulated media.

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Did you hear that Taylor Swift is supporting Donald Trump for president? That’s right: last week, the former president shared photos of fans rocking “Swifties for Trump” t-shirts on Truth Social. Trump seemed pleased, replying to his online following of 24 billion people: “I accept.”

Yet something seemed off. Just like photos of Trump surrounded by seven-fingered Black Americans smiling on city stoops, these Swiftie endorsement photos were AI generated. As it turns out, AI is playing a more insidious and dangerous role in this year’s election—and in the conspiracy theory industry—than ever. The line between fact and fiction has long been blurred, but we’re entering a new reality where distinguishing between those two might prove impossible.

This week, we look at the stakes of the first AI-generated election in America—and wonder how much worse it can get, even in three short months.