Artificial Intelligence can now impersonate humans in public opinion polls almost flawlessly, according to a new study from Dartmouth University.
AI’s Growing Influence in Public Surveys
Researchers found that advanced AI models can generate survey answers that are nearly indistinguishable from those provided by real people. This finding signals a major challenge for the credibility of polls, which are often used to shape policy, marketing strategies, and even election forecasts.
Lead author David Lazer warns, “We can no longer trust that survey responses are coming from real people.” The research highlights just how easy it has become for AI to manipulate the results of public opinion polls. If unchecked, this could undermine our trust in the democratic process and fuel misinformation.
Why Should We Care?
Imagine a world where a chatbot decides the next election or influences what products show up on store shelves. Sounds like science fiction? Sadly, it’s now science fact. Maybe next time you answer a survey, double-check if you’re not just talking to yourself—or an AI with an agenda!