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In an era where political gridlock and partisan bickering have left many voters disillusioned, a new breed of candidates is emerging with a bold proposition: leveraging artificial intelligence to help govern more effectively. From Wyoming to the United Kingdom, aspiring politicians are vowing to use AI assistants if elected, arguing that ethically trained AI could lead to more responsive and data-driven decision-making.
Victor Miller, a mayoral candidate in Cheyenne, Wyoming, has pledged to govern alongside an AI bot he calls "VIC" (Virtual Integrated Citizen). Miller sees AI as a tool for objectivity and efficiency, capable of quickly processing vast amounts of municipal information to make informed decisions. Similarly, in the UK, businessman Steve Endacott is running for Parliament with "AI Steve," an AI avatar designed to engage with constituents and shape policies based on their input.
Proponents argue that AI-assisted governance could address some of the shortcomings in current political systems. By rapidly analyzing data and constituent feedback, AI could help politicians make more informed decisions that better reflect the will of the people. Additionally, AI's ability to process complex information quickly could lead to more efficient policy-making and implementation.
However, the concept is not without its challenges. Legal questions abound regarding the eligibility of AI to hold office, even through human proxies. There are also concerns about the potential for AI to perpetuate biases or make errors in judgment, known as "hallucinations" in AI parlance.
As AI technology continues to advance towards artificial general intelligence (AGI), the potential benefits for AI-assisted governance could increase dramatically. Future AI systems might be capable of more nuanced understanding of complex societal issues, leading to more holistic and effective policy solutions.
While the idea of AI-assisted governance is still in its infancy, it represents a fascinating intersection of technology and democracy. As voters grapple with political dysfunction, the promise of AI to bring objectivity and efficiency to governance is an intriguing prospect. Whether this approach will truly revolutionize politics or remain a novel experiment remains to be seen, but it's clear that the relationship between AI and governance will be a crucial area to watch in the coming years.
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