Polarization by Design: How Elites Could Shape Mass Preferences as AI Reduces Persuasion Costs

This article explores the potential for AI to be used to manipulate public opinion and exacerbate societal polarization. It suggests that the reduced cost of persuasion due to AI could allow elites to more effectively shape mass preferences, raising concerns about the ethical implications and potential for misuse of this technology.

• •AI's ability to reduce persuasion costs could be exploited to manipulate public opinion.
• •Elites may be able to shape mass preferences more effectively with AI.
• •The ethical implications of AI-driven persuasion need careful consideration.