Lesch warns: AI and populism endanger the truth in politics!

Lesch warns: AI and populism endanger the truth in politics!

The assumption of the 20th Tübingen media lectureship by Harald Lesch is an important event that should stimulate discussion among both scientists and citizens. Lesch, a well-known face in science communication, will give a lecture on June 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the ballroom at the University of Tübingen that will address the challenges of the modern information society. His topic: “The informed society and its enemies” deals with the influence of populism, social media and artificial intelligence (AI) on truth, debates and political conditions uni-tuebingen.de reported.

In his lecture, Lesch will address the increase in disinformation caused by the AI ​​revolution. He highlights that computer programs are capable of simulating majorities of opinion and that the use of troll armies and deepfakes to spread false information is increasingly common. These technologies pose a serious threat to the search for scientific knowledge because they create false certainties and total doubt that can damage democratic discourse.

Challenges posed by AI

The upcoming federal election in 2025 is viewed by experts as a crucial testing ground for democracy. The use of AI in digital election campaigns is increasing rapidly. Automated disinformation campaigns are intended to target groups of voters and manipulate political sentiment, such as techzeitgeist.de reported.

AI algorithms analyze user behavior, fears and preferences in order to create tailored messages. Emotions such as anger and fear are used specifically, which leads to the widespread spread of fake news. These AI-driven disinformation campaigns are particularly active on social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Telegram. Experts also warn of the influence of foreign governments, which could also try to influence the elections through AI-supported campaigns.

The digital landscape has changed significantly since the 1990s. The introduction of technologies, particularly AI, requires a new discussion about how democracy works in this environment. In the analysis of the bpb.de It becomes clear that artificial intelligence tends to reproduce power and status asymmetries. There is a risk that the recommendations and decisions made by AI are not transparent and could influence citizens' political participation.

In the search for solutions, technological defenses are being developed to detect and combat disinformation. The Digital Services Act (DSA) in Germany and the EU aims to ensure transparency regarding AI-driven content. Independent fact-checkers and comprehensive media literacy are essential to tackling the latest challenges of disinformation.

The event surrounding the Tübingen media lectureship promises exciting insights and suggestions for anyone interested. Media scientist Bernhard Pörksen will give a thematic introduction, while the discussion will be moderated by Marcel Wagner, SWR studio manager. Admission is free, but tickets are required from 5:00 p.m.