AI threatens democracy. Experts urge us to pull the emergency brake. [Norwegian]

Author: Henrik Skaug Sætra | Source: Forskning.no | Read the full article in Norwegian

In a thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence's impact on democracy, researcher Henrik Skaug Sætra raises critical concerns about the unchecked integration of AI technologies into our social infrastructure. He argues that the rapid adoption of tools like ChatGPT has occurred without meaningful consideration of their potential consequences, highlighting how these technologies are fundamentally reshaping our information consumption, communication, and democratic processes.

Sætra emphasizes that AI doesn't just represent a technological advancement, but a significant political and power dynamic. He points out that most AI systems are controlled by a handful of American and Chinese companies, which can potentially manipulate information, create filter bubbles, and undermine our ability to engage in meaningful democratic dialogue. The researcher warns that these platforms can generate convincing but potentially misleading information, creating parallel realities that make genuine communication increasingly difficult.

The expert doesn't advocate for completely abandoning AI technologies, but instead calls for a more thoughtful and regulated approach. He suggests that we need to ask fundamental questions about what kind of society we want to create and how these technologies might help or hinder those goals. Sætra recommends supporting regulatory efforts like the EU's Digital Services Act, promoting local technology development, and maintaining human agency in decision-making processes to protect the core principles of democratic engagement.

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