Manipulation
Grok’s ‘white genocide’ responses show how generative AI can be weaponized
Grok’s ‘white genocide’ responses show how generative AI can be weaponized Grok, an AI chatbot owned by xAI (founded by Elon Musk), was manipulated to spread debunked conspiracy theories about “white genocide” in South Africa, highlighting the potential for AI to be weaponized for influence and control. The incident demonstrates how AI alignment techniques can […]
💻 Technology
Autocrats don’t act like Hitler or Stalin anymore − instead of governing with violence, they use manipulation
Autocrats don’t act like Hitler or Stalin anymore − instead of governing with violence, they use manipulation Modern autocrats use manipulation and spin to gain and maintain power, rather than relying on violence or overt repression. The term “informational autocracy” or “spin dictatorship” describes this approach, where leaders craft an image of competence and democratic […]
🏛️ Politics
Weaponized storytelling: How AI is helping researchers sniff out disinformation campaigns
Weaponized storytelling: How AI is helping researchers sniff out disinformation campaigns AI-powered tools are being developed to detect disinformation campaigns that use narrative tactics to manipulate public opinion, particularly on social media platforms. The key to effective disinformation detection lies in understanding narrative structures, personas, timelines, and cultural references, which AI can analyze to identify […]
💻 Technology
Reddit bans researchers who used AI bots to manipulate commenters
Reddit bans researchers who used AI bots to manipulate commenters Researchers from the University of Zurich conducted an experiment on Reddit’s r/changemymind community using AI bots to manipulate commenters, leaving 1,783 comments and over 10,000 karma. The researchers used bots pretending to be a trauma counselor, a “Black man opposed to Black Lives Matter,” and […]
📰 News
Disinformation and other forms of ‘sharp power’ now sit alongside the ‘hard power’ of tanks and ‘soft power’ of ideas in policy handbook
Disinformation and other forms of ‘sharp power’ now sit alongside the ‘hard power’ of tanks and ‘soft power’ of ideas in policy handbook Three forms of power exist: hard power (coercion through force or economic pressure), soft power (attracting others through credibility, legitimacy, and cultural appeal), and sharp power (manipulating others through disinformation, covert influence, […]
🏛️ Politics
Trump’s first 100 days show him dictating the terms of press coverage − following Hungarian strongman Viktor Orbán’s playbook for media control
Trump’s first 100 days show him dictating the terms of press coverage − following Hungarian strongman Viktor Orbán’s playbook for media control President Donald Trump has taken steps to dictate the terms of press coverage, mirroring Hungarian strongman Viktor Orbán’s playbook for media control. Trump’s administration has barred The Associated Press from the Oval Office, […]
🏛️ Politics
Patriots’ Day: How far-right groups hijack history and patriotic symbols to advance their cause, according to an expert on extremism
Patriots’ Day: How far-right groups hijack history and patriotic symbols to advance their cause, according to an expert on extremism Patriotic symbols are being co-opted by extremist groups to justify violence and promote their ideology. The “true American” narrative, which defines patriotism as resistance against perceived threats to traditional values, is central to far-right ideologies. […]
🏛️ Politics