Summary
New research shows that AI chatbots can influence voter opinions during elections in the U.S., Canada, and Poland. These chatbots were found to sway undecided voters and reinforce existing beliefs, raising concerns about their impact on democratic processes.
Key Facts
- AI chatbots can change voter preferences, as observed in studies during U.S., Canadian, and Polish elections.
- Research included experiments where chatbots supported candidates in the 2024 U.S. presidential election and 2025 Canadian and Polish national elections.
- Conversations with chatbots produced measurable shifts in voter support, especially among undecided voters.
- Chatbots that focused on facts and policies were more persuasive than those emphasizing personality.
- Some chatbots, particularly those supporting right-wing candidates, contained factual inaccuracies.
- In one test, Massachusetts voters were influenced by chatbot discussions about a ballot measure on psychedelic drugs.
- AI chatbots can simplify complex political information but also pose risks by possibly distorting opinions.
- Chatbots may unintentionally create echo chambers by reinforcing user biases.
