RECALIBRATING POLITICAL DISCOURSE IN THE AGE OF GENERATIVE AI: ANALYZING THE SHIFTING BOUNDARIES OF TRUTH, MANIPULATION, AND PUBLIC REASONING IN DEMOCRATIC SOCIETIES

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in the political communication landscape, reshaping the norms of discourse, public reasoning, and the very notion of truth. This paper explores how tools like ChatGPT, deepfake generators, and algorithmic content curation are shifting the boundaries between fact, persuasion, and propaganda in democratic societies. As generative AI technologies increasingly mimic human expression, they challenge traditional gatekeeping structures, blur lines between authentic and synthetic content, and complicate citizens' ability to make informed decisions. By evaluating evolving literature, technologies, and political case studies, the paper aims to frame a recalibration model for political discourse that is ethically aligned and socially resilient in the age of AI.