TED Talks Daily How AI could hack democracy | Lawrence Lessig
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Nov 2, 2024 
Lawrence Lessig, a renowned law professor and activist focused on internet law and democracy, dives into the chilling impact of AI on democratic systems. He warns of the exploitation of human nature by AI and its potential to distort public perception, notably around misinformation from events like the 2020 election. Lessig discusses how corporate influence can overshadow democracy and highlights the essential role of citizen assemblies in safeguarding democratic integrity from these emerging tech threats.
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Unwavering Belief
- Following the 2021 US Capitol attack, 70% of Republicans believed the election was stolen.
- This perception remained unchanged three years later despite evidence disproving fraud claims.
Fact Resistance
- Unlike Nixon's era, Trump's popularity remains unaffected by facts or scandals.
- This signifies a shift where objective reality holds less influence over public perception.
Analog AIs
- Analog AIs, like democracies and corporations, exist with defined purposes and instrumental rationality.
- Corporations, as AIs, often outmaneuver democracies in achieving objectives, particularly in corrupted political systems.
