Artificial Intelligence and the Advancement of Civic and Political Engagement: Opportunities and Challenges for Democracy

Abstract

This chapter will first emphasize the critical need for active political and civic engagement in maintaining democracy's enduring vitality. The author analyzes the evolution of citizen participation over time, especially with the proliferation of the internet and the prevalence of social media, which have altered individual engagement in the digital era. This chapter will examine how artificial intelligence has expanded the opportunities for public participation and the possible advantages this entails. However, it will also address significant concerns about the potential use of AI by governments with authoritarian tendencies. The author examines how new technologies may jeopardize human liberties, distort election processes—even in stable democracies—and raise concerns over the future erosion of democratic systems.