AI's Real Dangers For Democracy

Abstract: In 2024, observers worldwide braced for the electoral impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI). With those contests over, attention should shift to the longer-term risks AI poses to democracy. This essay predicts three such risks. First, AI-backed efforts to replace political communication may erode representative democracy. Second, AI may exacerbate trends toward the concentration of wealth and power, preserving only the facade of democracy. Third, economic trends in media and technology threaten to emaciate already weakened sources of trustworthy information. Avoiding these outcomes will require policymakers to reduce their reliance on the perspectives of industry professionals.