How is generative artificial intelligence (AI) changing the creation and dissemination of political messages and political communication? How do AI-generated artifacts influence politically effective beliefs, political opinion-forming, and democratic decision-making? How do politicians use the technology in their everyday work?

In parliamentary democracies, the formation of political opinion takes place in the context of elections, with generative AI playing an increasing role in media-mediated communication as well as in semi-public and public discourse. The ease of generating content, combined with its rapid dissemination on social media and the targeted and personalized information delivery, enables new actors to expand traditional communication processes. These new practices of exchange and discourse not only influence democratic processes but can also lead to power shifts and structural changes in state institutions and civil society forums.

On the one hand, the use of AI-based systems for political purposes and objectives offers potential for democratization and improved citizen participation, increased efficiency, reduced bureaucracy, and expanded data- and evidence-based knowledge analysis. On the other hand, however, there are also risks to consider. These include, above all, the misuse of technology for misinformation and disinformation as well as for the creation and amplification of discrediting or discriminatory content (hate speech, toxic language) and the associated loss of trust in social and political structures. Other relevant challenges in political contexts include the lack of explainability and transparency of AI systems, artifacts in the knowledge base of generative AI systems, content “inventions” or hallucinations/confabulations, and distortions that can arise from problematic data sources. In addition, there are data protection and copyright concerns and challenges related to insufficient digital policy and technological sovereignty.

The diverse potential opportunities and risks of generative AI are mapped in different fields of policy-making and governance for different political actors. Based on this, exemplary best practices for strengthening democratic processes and values will be identified.

These investigations are conducted in the continuation phase of the interdisciplinary project “Systemic and Existential Risks of AI.” In this project phase, questions about the concrete consequences of generative AI for processes, structures, and actors in various application contexts will be addressed.

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