The Global Story
Could conspiracy theories and AI impact the US election?
Oct 16, 2024
Marianna Spring, BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, dives deep into the murky waters of conspiracy theories and AI's potential impact on the 2024 US elections. She discusses how misinformation influenced the chaotic aftermath of the 2020 election and examines the psychological factors that lead individuals to believe in these narratives. The conversation also highlights the significant role AI plays in spreading false information, raising serious concerns about electoral integrity and public trust in an increasingly polarized media landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- Disinformation significantly undermines public trust in electoral processes, illustrating real-world dangers as seen during the Capitol siege on January 6th.
- AI's ability to create convincing false narratives poses an escalating threat to the integrity of the upcoming 2024 elections.
Deep dives
The Rise of Online Disinformation
Online disinformation significantly affects public perception and trust in democratic processes, especially in the context of elections. Following the 2020 US election, unfounded claims of rigged voting systems proliferated, leading to increased violence and distrust in political institutions. This misinformation has real-world consequences, as evidenced by the siege at the Capitol on January 6th, where conspiracy theories materialized into attempted insurrection. The upcoming 2024 elections are growing increasingly vulnerable to similar disinformation campaigns, fueled by heightened distrust exacerbated by social media algorithms.
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