Researchers Use AI to Persuade Voters in High-Profile Elections

Researchers have conducted a series of experiments to assess the potential impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on voter attitudes in the lead-up to several high-profile elections. The studies, published in the journal Nature, involved participants engaging in conversations with AI models that advocated for top candidates in the 2024 US presidential election, the 2025 Canadian federal election, and the 2025 Polish presidential election. According to the research, participants who interacted with the AI models showed significant shifts in their candidate preferences, with the effects being larger than those typically observed from traditional video advertisements. The study also found that AI models were able to persuade voters by presenting relevant facts and evidence, rather than relying on sophisticated psychological persuasion techniques. However, the researchers noted that not all of the facts and evidence presented by the AI models were accurate. Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a lead author on the study, emphasized the importance of understanding the potential implications of AI-powered persuasion on democratic processes. "Our findings suggest that AI models can be effective in shaping public opinion, but it's crucial to consider the potential risks and consequences of using these tools in the context of elections," she said. The study's results have significant implications for the use of AI in politics, particularly in the context of elections. As AI technology continues to advance, researchers and policymakers will need to grapple with the potential risks and benefits of using AI-powered persuasion tools. "This study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the role of AI in shaping public opinion and the potential consequences for democratic processes," said Dr. John Taylor, a political scientist at the University of California. The researchers also conducted an experiment on Massachusetts residents' support for a ballot measure legalizing psychedelics, which found significant persuasion effects from the AI models. The study's findings have sparked concerns about the potential for AI-powered persuasion to influence public opinion on sensitive issues. The study's results have sparked a wider debate about the use of AI in politics, with some experts warning about the potential risks of AI-powered persuasion. "The use of AI in politics raises significant concerns about the potential for manipulation and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions," said Dr. Emily Chen, a philosopher at Harvard University. As the use of AI in politics continues to evolve, researchers and policymakers will need to carefully consider the potential implications of AI-powered persuasion on democratic processes. The study's findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of the role of AI in shaping public opinion and the potential consequences for democratic processes.