Key Takeaways:
– AI-generated posts have not materialized into realistic deepfakes as feared by experts but are churning out absurd content
– Such content often serves as a vehicle for spreading politically motivated false narratives
– The use of AI for political gains is not exclusive to the Trump campaign; even Democrats have engaged with AI image generation tools
– Although often absurd or cartoonish, the hyperrealistic nature of AI-generated posts draws attention and can perpetuate damaging conspiracy theories.
The advent of AI in political battles
As the 2024 election draws near, the world expectancy of artificial intelligence (AI) wreaking havoc with realistic deepfakes flooding social media has noticeably differed from reality. Instead, AI’s contribution has leaned towards the creation of outlandish content that’s far from believable, including images of Donald Trump riding a cat while brandishing an assault rifle, Vice President Kamala Harris donned in a faux-stache and a communist uniform, and a scene portraying Trump and Harris sharing a tender moment.
Far from the Fear
Despite AI not living up to the ominous prophesies of experts, its influence on the election hasn’t been insignificant. Regularly, voters come across AI-generated images across the web- from Trump aboard a luxury jet flanked by cats and ducks to a cluster of kittens heralding a vote for him to escape hypothetical harm from migrants. While most images bear a comic tone, their often politically-charged, and sometimes racist content shared by candidates and their backers does raise eyebrows.
Francesca Tripodi, an online propaganda expert, points out the inherent problem of using such content to fuel age-old anti-immigrant narratives. Caleb Smith, a Republican strategist, counters this viewpoint, noting that these images are meant to entertain, not deceive.
A Two-Way Street
AI-generated content, however, is not a monopoly of the Trump cohort. Democrats too have been seen publishing similar content. For instance, images of Elon Musk being ridiculed and Trump chased by the police have appeared on social media. However, partywise, there seems to be a disparity. For instance, Kamala Harris’ campaign hasn’t leveraged AI-generated content.
Steven Cheung, spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, rebuffs allegations of using tools provided by AI companies, maintaining a consistent stand since May. On the other hand, Mia Ehrenberg, Harris’ campaign spokesperson, highlighted that currently, AI is only approved for productivity tasks like data analysis and coding assistance.
AI-generated Memes: Funny or Frightening?
The line between humor and intentional deception often gets blurred with AI-generated posts. Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, disapproves of the practice, particular of evident attempts to deceive.
AI-generated images may echo the tune of old-school political cartoons or Photoshop trickery, but their hyperrealistic nature gives them an ounce of authenticity that adds new dimensions to a political narrative. While some might laugh it off as harmless jest, the implications can stretch beyond the digital realm, leading to real-world consequences like bomb threats and evacuations.
AI- A tool for Alternate Realities
Using AI to create graphic illustrations appealing to his base, Trump continues to use AI as a tool to distort realities. These images and the illusions they create augment his long-standing strategy of promoting alternate realities- from backing QAnon proponents to those who negate the fairness of election results.
Generative AI and its increasing ease of access have made it a cheap and efficient tool to produce political content to respond quickly to online trends and further a political message. Teddy Goff, digital director of President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, addresses this issue, highlighting how AI has shaped political discourse, making it faster and more convincing.
AI’s Wider Reach
The use of AI for generating politically saturated images isn’t exclusive to the U.S, achieving prevalence in elections worldwide. Instances of more harmful deepfakes impersonating party chiefs discussing poll rigging, or fake robocalls dissuading voters have resulted in criminal charges, indicating the serious implications of AI misuse.
Despite Trump’s regard for AI as “dangerous” and “scary,” his enthusiastic promotion of AI-generated content has raised concerns among fellow Republicans. Some, like Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, vow never to resort to memes for political gains.
AI’s role in political campaigns may have deviated from what was feared, but its potential to influence public opinion, be it humorously or otherwise, is only growing stronger.