by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors
Written by April Walker
Politics and Technology: An Undeniable Union
In the modern era, the intersection of politics and technology has become an undeniable union, shaping the way all societies function and how political processes unfold. The rapid advancement of technology has not only transformed communication and information dissemination but has also redefined political engagement, campaigning, and governance. Given the political climate we face today, coupled with this area of AI and the myriads of communication platforms at our disposal, let’s explore the profound impact of technology on politics, focusing on the digitalization of grassroots movements, the threats posed by hackers and deepfakes, the battle between social media and traditional media, and the future of politics post-election.
Grassroots Gone Digital
Hackers and Deepfakes
Deepfakes, manipulated videos, or audio recordings that appear authentic present another alarming challenge. These sophisticated forgeries can spread misinformation, discredit political opponents, and manipulate public opinion. Look no further than the recent use of AI-generated images of music superstar Taylor Swift, who falsely claimed she was supporting the Republican candidate for President, Donald Trump, when in fact, the reality is that Taylor publicly expressed her support of Kamala Harris. The potential for deepfakes to undermine trust in political leaders and institutions is a growing concern. As technology continues to advance, the ability to detect and counteract these threats becomes crucial to maintaining the integrity of democratic processes.
Social Media vs Traditional Media
The rise of social media has fundamentally altered the landscape of political communication. Traditional media, such as newspapers, television, and radio, once held a monopoly on information dissemination. However, social media platforms have democratized the flow of information, allowing individuals to share news, opinions, and updates instantaneously. This shift has both positive and negative implications for politics.
On the positive side, social media enables direct communication between politicians and the public, fostering transparency and consistent engagement. Politicians can use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, and others to share their views, respond to constituents, and mobilize support and, in many instances, market-specific demographics critical to closing the gap in areas that need concerted focus and attention. However, the unregulated nature of social media also allows for the spread of misinformation, fake news, and echo chambers, where individuals are exposed only to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. If you are curious whether this is true, look at the differing messages you’ll read on the platforms that support the two political party affiliations –- it’s astounding how distinctly different the narratives can be.
With its staunch editorial standards and robust fact-checking processes, traditional media still plays a crucial role in providing reliable information. However, it faces challenges in competing with social media’s speed and global reach. The coexistence of these two forms of media creates a complex information ecosystem that requires critical thinking, intentional skepticism, and media literacy from the public.
What’s Next Post Election
As we draw closer to the upcoming Presidential election day and, for that matter, even beyond that day, the focus will shift to governance and the implementation of campaign promises. Technology continues to play a vital and pivotal role in this phase, with governments leveraging digital tools for efficient administration, transparency, and citizen engagement.
In my opinion, the post-election period and prevailing policy will need to address the challenges posed by misinformation and cyber threats. Governments and organizations need to invest comprehensively in cybersecurity measures, digital literacy programs, and regulatory frameworks to safeguard the integrity of political processes. As technology continues to evolve at an extraordinarily rapid pace, the future of politics will likely see continued integration of its impact, emphasizing balancing its benefits with the need to protect democratic values, institutions, and, most importantly, public trust! That said, we must not be fearful of technology; we need to embrace it, as innovations such as AI and GenAI create competitive opportunities for our country that are unimaginably powerful and can positively change the course of mankind. During the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris remarked during her acceptance speech of the ticket’s nomination: “Once elected, I will make sure that we lead the world into the future on space and artificial intelligence, that America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century, and that we strengthen not abdicate our global leadership.”
Source: Black Enterprise