In a world increasingly dominated by digital technology, the predictions made in the book “Interpersonal Divide: The Search for Community in a Technological Age” are becoming a reality. The rise of the internet and big data has transformed the way information is consumed, leading to a shift towards affirmation over information. This trend has not only undermined the newspaper industry but also poses a significant threat to democracy itself.
As outlined in “Interpersonal Divide in the Age of Machine,” big data has reduced millions of internet users into mere nodes, categorized based on personal, professional, educational, governmental, psychological, sociological, and consumer demographics. This data is then used to make correlations about users’ preferences, likes, dislikes, and purchasing behavior. The result is a dehumanizing effect that prioritizes self-importance, boredom, oversharing, entertainment, interruption, distraction, incivility, affirmation, belief, and on-demand fantasy over ethical principles, knowledge, and intimacy.
The consequences of this shift are evident in the spread of conspiracy theories and misinformation. Media personalities, devoid of fact-based science and informed social science, easily propagate unfounded claims that prove lucrative for those seeking to exploit the public’s vulnerability. Artificial intelligence (AI) has further exacerbated the problem, with large language models like ChatGPT capable of lying fluently and convincingly. The public’s diminished ability to verify claims has allowed figures like Donald J. Trump to thrive in the age of AI, using technology to manipulate images and distort reality.
The potential dangers of AI are becoming increasingly apparent. Deepfake productions, fueled by AI, can now convincingly mimic a person’s voice and image, enabling the spread of fabricated content and lies. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and others have become primary sources of information for many, despite the prevalence of bogus posts that reinforce existing beliefs rather than presenting verified facts.
The threat of AI-driven disinformation is particularly concerning in the context of elections. Studies show that a significant percentage of Americans believe that AI will be used to manipulate social media and influence the outcome of presidential elections. With the ability to fabricate news, upload divisive messages, and impersonate candidates, AI poses a significant risk to the integrity of democratic processes.
While efforts to promote media and technology literacy in schools may help future generations correct the errors of our algorithmic ways, the damage caused by the erosion of truth and the blurring of perception and reality is already significant. Society’s inability to distinguish fact from factoid threatens the very foundation of information, ultimately shaping the governments we deserve.
