Researchers warn that highly realistic virtual characters controlled by artificial intelligence could soon play a major role in shaping public opinion and influencing democratic systems.
A recent policy forum paper published in the journal Science describes how large groups of AI-generated characters can convincingly mimic human behavior online.
These systems can enter digital communities, participate in discussions and influence viewpoints with extraordinary speed, writes Science Daily.
Unlike previous bot networks, these AI agents can instantly coordinate, respond to feedback, and maintain consistent narratives across thousands of accounts.
How AI characters mimic real people online
Rapid progress in large-scale language models and multi-agent systems has made it possible for a single operator to manage vast networks of AI “voices.”
These characters can appear authentic, adopt the local language and tone, and interact in a way that feels natural to other users.
They are also able to run millions of small-scale experiments to determine which messages are most persuasive.
This allows them to refine their communication strategies in real time and generate what appears to be broad public consensus. In reality, this consensus is artificially created and designed to influence political discussions.
Deepfakes and fake news signal early risks
Although fully developed AI swarms are still largely theoretical, researchers say there are already warning signs.
These include AI-generated deepfakes and fake news sources that have influenced recent election debates in countries such as the United States, Taiwan, Indonesia and India, according to UBC computer scientist Dr. Kevin Leyton-Brown.
At the same time, monitoring organizations have identified pro-Kremlin networks spreading large volumes of content online.
This work is believed to be aimed at shaping the data used to train future AI systems, potentially influencing how these systems behave and what information they prioritize.
Experts warn of the growing impact on democracy
Looking ahead, experts believe that AI “swarms” could significantly affect the balance of power in democratic societies.
Dr Leyton-Brown warned that these systems are likely to change the way people trust information online. “We should not imagine that society will remain unchanged with the advent of these systems. One likely result is a decrease in trust in unknown voices on social media, which could empower celebrities and make it more difficult to assert grassroots messages.”
