How will AI amplify propaganda effectiveness?

Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly through generative tools like large language models (LLMs), is significantly amplifying the effectiveness of propaganda by enhancing its scale, persuasiveness, and accessibility while undermining trust in verifiable information. Here's how AI contributes to this phenomenon:

• Increased Scale and Productivity: AI tools enable propagandists to produce vast quantities of disinformation at a lower cost and with greater speed. Studies of real-world state-backed campaigns, such as those tied to Russia, show that the adoption of generative AI has led to a marked increase in the volume of content produced by propaganda outlets. This allows for the rapid dissemination of misleading narratives across multiple platforms 123.

• Enhanced Breadth and Customization: Generative AI facilitates the creation of diverse content tailored to different audiences or topics without sacrificing quality. Research indicates that AI adoption by propaganda sites has coincided with shifts in the range of subjects covered, making campaigns more adaptable and harder to detect as they mimic genuine discourse. This customization extends to varying styles and wording to appear authentic 124.

• High Persuasiveness: AI-generated propaganda is often as convincing as human-written content. Survey experiments in the US with over 8,000 respondents found that text produced by models like GPT-3 Davinci matched or even exceeded the persuasiveness of real-world foreign propaganda articles. Human editing of AI prompts or outputs can further boost this effect, making the content as compelling as traditional propaganda with minimal effort 54.

• Cost and Resource Efficiency: By automating content creation, AI frees up resources for propagandists to focus on building infrastructure such as fake accounts or deceptive "news" websites. This redirection enhances the credibility and reach of campaigns while reducing the need for language fluency or extensive manpower, lowering the barrier to entry for malicious actors 46.

• Erosion of Trust in Facts: The proliferation of AI-generated content contributes to a phenomenon known as the liar's dividend, where widespread skepticism about fabricated material makes people doubt even reliable information. This is particularly damaging during crises or political conflicts when false narratives can spread unchecked, as noted in reports on global internet freedom 76.

• Sophisticated Manipulation Tactics: AI enables the creation of deepfakes and manipulated media, such as videos of political figures making false statements or fabricated images circulating on social media. Examples include Venezuelan state media using AI-generated news anchors for pro-government messaging and doctored content involving US leaders, which amplify disinformation efforts 76.

These capabilities demonstrate how AI not only scales propaganda but also refines its impact, making it a potent tool for state and non-state actors to manipulate public opinion and destabilize trust in objective truth.

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11950819/
2. https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/4/pgaf083/8097936
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40171239/
4. https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/2/pgae034/7610937
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10878360/
6. https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/how-generative-ai-is-boosting-propaganda-disinformation
7. https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/10/04/1080801/generative-ai-boosting-disinformation-and-propaganda-freedom-house/
8. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/ai-and-data-voids--how-propaganda-exploits-gaps-in-online-information
9. https://akademie.dw.com/en/generative-ai-is-the-ultimate-disinformation-amplifier/a-68593890
10. https://canada.diplo.de/ca-en/about-us/vancouver/coburg-university-2668366