Like Social Media, AI Requires Difficult Choices

Jamie Susskind, in his book “Future Politics,” posits that the central political query has shifted from the 20th century's focus on the state versus market and civil society. He argues that the dominant question of the current era is the extent to which powerful digital systems should direct and control human lives, and under what conditions. Artificial intelligence is the technology that immediately brings this critical question to the forefront of political discussion. AI inherently increases the power of its users, enabling them to execute far-reaching actions with minimal effort. For example, a user can issue a single instruction and have their message instantly written, personalized, and distributed to vast audiences across multiple digital channels. This amplification is available to various users, including managers, marketers, political campaigners, and individual internet users with strong opinions. AI allows for the customization of political appeals, such as individualizing requests for financial donations. Furthermore, AI systems can elaborate a simple grievance into a sophisticated and well-articulated policy position. Critically, AI facilitates the tailoring of persuasive arguments to resonate specifically with particular identity groups or even individual persons. This personalization and propagation capability dramatically alters how influence and control are exercised in modern society.