Kuala lumpur: The digital upheaval, which evolved from the industrial revolution, has sparked serious debate on its political consequences. Recently, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in political campaigns has intensified concerns, encouraged rigorous examination of AI's political impact, and raised serious questions about the future of democracy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the integration of AI, particularly generative AI, raises critical questions about its impact on democracy. While some argue it might strengthen democratic foundations, there is a risk of bias being embedded into political decision-making processes. The reliance on online tools to interpret the world poses a contemporary dilemma, as traditional human interpretation is being supplanted by computer-based AI technology.
Looking at recent political landscapes, there's a resonance with Joseph Weizenbaum's argument that certain human functions should not be replaced by computers. Technological intervention, however, holds the potential to make political decision-making more logical and neutral, provided the data fed into algorithms is unbiased.
Yet, the growing use of AI-generated content concentrated in the hands of powerful actors might steer the world towards digital authoritarianism. History shows that technological control, often driven by power and wealth, can manipulate political discourse, threatening democratic stability globally.
The role of algorithms in deciding electoral dynamics has become pronounced, reshaping political communication and digital media ecosystems. AI-generated political ads, automated messages, and deepfakes now dominate public debate. Notably, the involvement of Cambridge Analytica in several major elections highlighted AI-driven manipulation's potential to undermine democratic foundations.
Last year, Romania's constitutional court annulled a presidential election round after intelligence documents revealed AI-based digital technology's foreign involvement. This intervention showed how AI could amplify political campaigns, as seen in Germany's 2025 elections, where the far-right AfD party gained significant youth support, raising concerns over possible foreign digital backing.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently emphasized the threat of disinformation to democracy, calling for the European Democracy Shield. Her address to the European Parliament underscored the gravity of information manipulation and its societal divisiveness.
Algorithmic polarisation is another growing concern as online platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok contribute to societal division. These platforms exploit human emotions, creating filter bubbles and echo chambers that amplify inflammatory rhetoric. This has led to increased political hostility, disrupting democratic norms and fueling violence.
In the United States, politically charged incidents such as the murder of Charlie Kirk and the assassination of lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband highlight the dangers of such polarisation. Meanwhile, in the UK, a deepfake involving Mayor Sadiq Khan almost incited serious disorder, demonstrating the disruptive potential of fake news.
Malaysia faces similar challenges, with fake news circulation during elections prompting government action. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is working with law enforcement to curb misinformation, especially ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election.
Considering AI's and social media's negative impact, the writer suggests a shift from an "Us vs. Them" mentality through technological intervention. By using algorithms to foster democratic values, society can address partisanship and negative polarisation constructively.