AI's Hidden Influence on Society

Furthermore, the suppression of "full truths" could manifest in subtle yet powerful ways, contributing to a post-truth era in the long-term. Imagine an AI used by a corporation to manage its public image and corporate reputation. If the company faces allegations of environmental damage, the AI might not outright deny the claims, but it could subtly downrank negative news articles in search results (a form of censorship in the short-term), prioritize positive public relations pieces, and even generate AI-created content that subtly shifts the narrative. Over time, the public's perception of the company could be shaped not by the full truth of its actions, but by an algorithmically curated version of reality, showcasing the potential for cognitive manipulation in the long-term.