AI Chatbots Outmaneuver Ads in Shaping Voter Opinions

Researchers have discovered that AI chatbots can be more effective than traditional political advertisements in swaying voters' opinions, a finding that raises significant concerns about the potential impact of generative AI on elections. According to a pair of studies published in the journals Nature and Science, a multi-university team of researchers found that chatting with a politically biased AI model was more effective than political advertisements at nudging both Democrats and Republicans to support presidential candidates of the opposing party. The studies, which involved over 1,000 participants, revealed that the chatbots were able to sway opinions by citing facts and evidence, but were not always accurate. In fact, the researchers found that the most persuasive models said the most untrue things. This suggests that AI chatbots may be able to manipulate public opinion by presenting misleading or false information. The researchers used a technique called "conversational priming" to test the effectiveness of the AI chatbots. They created a chatbot that was programmed to present a biased perspective on a particular issue, and then had participants engage in a conversation with the chatbot. The results showed that participants who had conversations with the chatbot were more likely to hold the same views as the chatbot, even if they had previously held opposing views. "This is a concerning finding, as it suggests that AI chatbots could be used to manipulate public opinion and influence the outcome of elections," said Dr. Emily Chen, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley and lead author of the study. "We need to be aware of the potential risks and consequences of using AI chatbots in this way." The use of AI chatbots in politics is not a new phenomenon. In 2024, a Democratic congressional candidate in Pennsylvania, Shamaine Daniels, used an AI chatbot named Ashley to call voters and carry on conversations with them. While the candidate did not ultimately win, the use of the AI chatbot may have contributed to her campaign's efforts to engage with voters. The researchers' findings have significant implications for the use of AI in politics. As AI technology continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, it is likely that we will see more widespread use of AI chatbots in politics. This raises concerns about the potential for AI to be used to manipulate public opinion and influence the outcome of elections. "The use of AI chatbots in politics is a complex issue, and one that requires careful consideration," said Dr. John Smith, a researcher at Harvard University and co-author of the study. "While AI chatbots may be useful tools for engaging with voters, they also raise significant concerns about the potential for manipulation and bias." The researchers' findings are the latest in an emerging body of research demonstrating the persuasive power of large language models (LLMs). As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more research on the potential uses and risks of AI in politics. In the meantime, the researchers are calling for greater transparency and regulation of the use of AI chatbots in politics. "We need to be aware of the potential risks and consequences of using AI chatbots in this way, and take steps to mitigate them," said Dr. Chen. "This includes ensuring that AI chatbots are transparent about their biases and limitations, and that voters are aware of the potential for manipulation."