Artificial Intelligence, Real Consequences? The Digital Age of Political Humor

Artificial intelligence is transforming political communication by enabling politicians and political actors to create and circulate potentially humorous, satirical, and highly realistic visual content. This article examines how AI-generated and AI-altered images complicate the boundary between political humor and disinformation. Drawing on recent examples of AI-generated political media, it considers how humor can engage audiences and shape political perceptions while also creating ethical concerns when fictional content is mistaken for reality. These risks can depend on factors including realism, context, intent, and audience interpretation, raising broader questions about truth, accountability, and democratic discourse.