Could conspiracy theories and AI impact the US election?
Oct 16, 2024
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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.
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.
Social Media's Role in Amplifying Conspiracy Theories
Social media platforms play a crucial role in the propagation of conspiracy theories by curating content that aligns with users' biases and pre-existing concerns. This phenomenon compels individuals to delve deeper into fringe theories, often reinforcing their misconceptions. Personal anecdotes from individuals with starkly contrasting political views illustrate how social media can influence political beliefs, with many adopting increasingly conspiratorial mindsets. Such beliefs not only exacerbate divisions within society but also challenge the very foundations of democratic participation and engagement.
Impact on Election Workers Amidst Disinformation
The spread of disinformation has instilled fear in election workers, who face threats and harassment resulting from false claims about election integrity. Many officials express concern for their safety as they navigate a landscape rife with hostility, primarily driven by conspiracy theories. Initiatives to invite skeptics into the electoral process for transparency have emerged, aiming to rebuild trust among voters by showing electoral accountability. However, constant harassment driven by a belief in these myths has made the environment perilous for those committed to upholding democratic processes.
AI's Evolving Influence on Disinformation Tactics
Artificial intelligence elevates the risk of disinformation by facilitating the creation of highly believable deep fakes and manipulated content that can mislead voters. Instances of AI-generated audio clips have proven particularly troublesome, as they can easily spread misinformation before being debunked. An example includes a fabricated recording of a school principal that falsely portrayed him making offensive remarks, which escalated into a widespread scandal before being proven fake. As elections draw nearer, the refined capabilities of AI to generate misleading content pose a critical threat to public trust and electoral integrity.
How disinformation and advanced technology might influence the 2024 vote. Why do people fall for online conspiracy theories, and what happens when disinformation shapes real-world events?
On this episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, to explore how conspiracy theories and the rise of AI could shape the upcoming election in the United States. They discuss the role disinformation played in the 2020 vote, leading to real-world consequences, and how these conspiracies continue to undermine the US election system today. They also examine the growing influence of AI in generating and spreading false narratives, and what this could mean for the upcoming presidential race.
You can listen to Marianna Spring’s series ‘Why Do You Hate Me? USA’ on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Producers: Pete Ross and Alix Pickles
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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