Accusations of AI use are creating an environment of online distrust that may affect how people engage with political news and elections globally, according to new University of Sydney research.
Researchers analysed 220,373 posts and comments from social media platform Reddit’s five largest news and political communities in the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election.
People are increasingly suggesting online posts and comments are AI-generated to discredit perspectives they disagree with, according to the study led by Tim Koskie, a member of the University of Sydney’s Centre for AI, Trust and Governance.
Dr Koskie said the study found perceptions of AI use in election-related content could undermine trust in political information online and erode confidence in elections and democratic debate.
“Many people now rely on online platforms to understand political issues and evaluate candidates for upcoming elections, and trust plays a vital role in that process,” Dr Koskie said.
“Our research found widespread accusations on major social media platforms that AI is being used to manipulate political information, and these accusations were almost exclusively attached to contrasting political viewpoints.
“‘That’s AI’ has become a common way to dismiss information online, but what makes it so powerful is that it feeds into the misinformation and dishonesty that have grown with the proliferation of social media.”
Social media platforms, policymakers, technology companies and the wider community all have a responsibility to support healthy democratic debate online, Dr Koskie said.
Another common theme was distrust of the algorithms used by social media platforms and the role they may play in shaping electoral outcomes.
“Users frequently expressed concern about disinformation campaigns, the lack of transparency about how algorithms promote or suppress content, and the potential for platforms to influence public opinion for political or financial gain,” Dr Koskie said.
The study also highlights the importance of access to a range of independent news sources and perspectives.
“As AI use becomes more prevalent in online communication, it is important to ensure these tools support informed democratic participation,” Dr Koskie said.
