Artificial Intelligence in Manipulation: The Significance and Strategies for Prevention

Manipulation has always been a persistent aspect of society, but the rise of artificial intelligence has significantly amplified its scope and impact. AI’s ability to access and process vast amounts of personal data has revolutionized the way individuals can be targeted with specific information. This technology enables the rapid delivery of highly personalized messages, making it easier to exploit psychological vulnerabilities and influence decision-making without the individual’s awareness.

The use of AI for manipulation may pose serious threats to personal autonomy, as individuals are increasingly nudged towards choices they might not have made independently. Beyond personal implications, this also may endanger human rights and the foundations of democracy. By subtly shaping public opinion and electoral behaviour, AI-driven manipulation can undermine the integrity of democratic processes, leading to outcomes that do not truly reflect the will of the people. Acknowledging that not all uses of AI in manipulation are necessarily unacceptable, this article examines the possible approaches to tackle AI’s undesirable impacts in democratic societies rather than manipulation per se. It explores various tools and methods of AI employed for manipulation, identifying key areas where this technology is most used for unacceptable and harmful purpose in democratic society, such as in advertising, political campaigns, and the spread of misinformation. It also analyses the legislative approach of the EU to limit the usage of undesired manipulative AI and explores additional strategies, including ethical guidelines, public education, and technological solutions to mitigate the risks and prevent the misuse of AI for manipulative purposes.