Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize democracy and decision-making by overcoming the limitations inherent in traditional systems, according to AI researcher Tantum Collins and public-interest technology scholar Bruce Schneier. The key limitation being addressed is the lossy bottleneck in which complex choices are reduced to a limited number of options, leading to the loss of important information. However, AI has the capability to store rich representations of people’s preferences and use them to enable complex customization and personalization at scale and low cost.
The potential impact of AI can be observed in various domains. For example, in the culinary world, AI could facilitate personalized dining experiences, connecting diners and chefs in a way that removes the current limitations imposed by logistical constraints. In the labor market, AI systems could provide more extensive assessments of job candidates by considering their coursework, exams, teacher feedback, and detailed information about possible jobs. Similarly, in the apparel industry, AI could significantly reduce the costs of customization by learning individual styles, taking measurements based on photos, and generating designs that match personal taste.
While these examples highlight the transformative power of AI, the most significant impact could be in the realm of politics and democracy. By using AI systems to advocate for specific policies on behalf of individuals, the lossy bottleneck in politics can be eliminated. This could lead to enhanced voter representation and the implementation of policies that better align with the desires of the electorate. AI devices, equipped with knowledge of individuals’ political views and preferences, could vote on a wide range of issues on behalf of users. Additionally, AI systems that personalize political education could encourage greater engagement in the democratic process.
However, there are ethical considerations and challenges associated with leveraging AI in decision-making. Privacy concerns arise from granting AI intimate access to personal data, and the importance of human deliberation must be preserved in a functioning democracy. Furthermore, transitioning from representative democracies to AI-enhanced direct democracies poses significant challenges, and privacy and security safeguards must be in place to ensure a fair and transparent system.
While the implementation of AI technologies is still in its early stages, there have already been promising developments, such as recommendation systems for digital media or personalized movie suggestions. These initial applications pave the way for a future without artificial bottlenecks, where AI can powerfully impact decision-making processes.
In conclusion, AI has the potential to drastically change democracy and decision-making by removing the limitations imposed by lossy bottlenecks. By enabling customization and personalization at scale, AI can transform various domains, including dining experiences, labor markets, apparel, and software interfaces. In politics, AI systems could enhance voter representation and increase engagement in the democratic process. Despite the challenges and ethical considerations, the potential benefits of AI in decision-making are immense. As AI continues to advance, the future of democracy is likely to be shaped by its transformative capabilities.
