IS AI A Threat To Democracy?

By: Aslihan Y.

In a recent thought-provoking interview with Pedro Pinto, the renowned historian, and author Yuval Noah Harari shed light on the intricate relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and democracy. With his astute observations and deep understanding of the subject matter, Harari offered a unique perspective on how AI can impact the fundamental principles of democracy as we know it.

Source: Barcelona Metropolis

Harari emphasized the need for governments to regulate AI content in the future, as it could potentially pose a significant threat to democracy.

According to Harari, if AI can produce fake news on its own, it could significantly divide democratic societies and disrupt peace. This could threaten the survival of democracy by creating polarization within the society by amplifying mistrust between the people. Furthermore, he emphasized that it could create an ideal environment

for dictatorships to thrive, as they benefit from chaos and mistrust.

Source: The Washington Post

The recent incident on Twitter involving a fake AI-generated image has confirmed Yuval Noah Harari's concerns about the potential dangers of AI. The image went viral, depicting an explosion near the Pentagon with a misleading caption that read "Large Explosion Near the Pentagon". This hoax was shared by several verified

Twitter accounts and the resulting impact were significant, with over 50,000 views before it was taken down.

The turmoil caused by this viral news even had an effect on the U.S. stock market. This incident raises concerns about Elon Musk's new policy of allowing anyone on Twitter to obtain a verified account through a monthly subscription. It serves as a vivid example of why new regulations may be necessary, particularly when considering the potential for a simple AI-generated image to sway public opinion.

This occurrence serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with granting excessive power to AI-generated content bringing us back to Harari's concerns about the future of AI. The image had a significant impact on public perception, highlighting the potential risks of mass-producing AI-generated content that could be used to manipulate public opinion and divide societies in the near future.