Examining the Influence of Generative AI in Telangana Elections Using Political Images
Political imagery appeared everywhere in the run-up to the Telangana elections, seemingly created at the touch of computer instructions. Parties and their followers used generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create pictures that supported or disparaged politicians from different political backgrounds.
The AI-generated images depicted politicians exuding a cinematic swagger, symbolizing either a Congress wave, a BRS sweep, or a BJP saffron tide. Notably, many of these visual narratives featured the iconic and indelible landmark of Charminar in Hyderabad. As political contenders fiercely competed for votes, the overflow of this electoral fervor found expression in the realm of AI. These digitally crafted political images quickly proliferated on various social media platforms.
Among the digitally fabricated scenes were depictions of flags and buntings adorned with the Congress’ electoral symbol within the heritage precincts of Charminar. Another portrayal emerged, illustrating AI’s interpretation of the monument amid a BJP saffron surge.
A third image painted a picture of the city bathed in pink, foretelling a BRS victory. Once again, Charminar served as the backdrop for this visual narrative. The emergence of generative AI as a swift replacement for political cartoons on social media reflected the current state of politics and electioneering in the region.
In contrast to traditional political satire, this trend showcased individuals harnessing generative AI to create images aligning with their subscribed narratives. A tech enthusiast noted, “People now use AI images to express their subscribed narratives, unlike traditional political satire.
The utilization of generative AI in shaping political discourse and influencing public opinion marked a significant shift in campaign strategies. Political actors and their supporters leveraged the power of AI to visually communicate their messages, capitalizing on the widespread reach of social media.
These AI-generated images not only captured the essence of the political landscape but also underscored the evolving nature of political communication in an increasingly digitized world. The ease with which these visuals spread across online platforms highlighted the potential of AI to shape perceptions and narratives in the realm of electoral politics.
As Telangana went to the polls, the convergence of technology and politics became increasingly evident, with generative AI serving as a tool for crafting persuasive visual narratives. The impact of these digitally constructed images on voter sentiment and decision-making added a new dimension to the dynamic interplay between technology and democracy.
