Discussions at school regarding the impact of AI’s expanding influence on the political process are evolving alongside advancements in artificial intelligence.
While some professors and students believe that the conscious and effective utilization of AI in society could potentially enhance democracy, there are concerns raised about the ramifications of AI such as misinformation, deep fakes, algorithmic bias, social polarization, and erosion of trust in electoral processes.
Andrew Maynard, an educator at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, emphasizes that the impact of AI is contingent on human utilization. Maynard acknowledges that AI has the potential to disrupt established norms but underscores the importance of critical and logical analysis to discern its positive or negative implications.
Expressing apprehension about AI’s ability to erode public trust in political and social systems, Maynard also recognizes AI’s capacity to educate individuals on critical issues and stimulate meaningful discussions.
AI has the capability to process and generate vast amounts of information at a rapid pace, providing access to diverse perspectives on social and political matters. However, it also raises concerns about the proliferation of propaganda, political biases, and misinformation.
Kyle Jensen, chair of reading programs and faculty member in the English department at ASU, advocates for the necessity of AI literacy due to its capacity to generate a large volume of content. Jensen emphasizes the importance of conceptual AI literacy to empower individuals, especially those marginalized in the democratic process, to discern and engage with AI-generated content effectively.
Brock Blasdell, a graduate student specializing in command and classical liberal education, concurs that fostering innovative technological education is crucial to harnessing the benefits of AI in politics. Blasdell highlights the potential of AI as a valuable tool in the political sphere while emphasizing the importance of forming independent political opinions rather than relying solely on AI-generated perspectives.
In the discourse surrounding AI on campus, the crucial issue of ensuring the credibility and integrity of the information consumed by individuals is paramount. Maynard stresses the pivotal role that college students, particularly younger generations adept at utilizing technology, play in shaping this conversation.
Recognizing the inherent aptitude of younger generations in grasping new technologies, Maynard expresses optimism in their ability to comprehend the complexities, limitations, and risks associated with AI systems, paving the way for innovative and responsible utilization of these technologies.
