Extended Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology with significant impacts on various domains, including politics and civic participation. Through tools such as recommender systems, big data analytics, political chatbots, and AI-driven digital campaigns, this technology alters how citizens access political information, make decisions, and engage in political activities. Digital users, as one of the most digitally active social groups, interact extensively with these AI-driven tools, being directly and indirectly affected by their benefits and challenges. While extensive international research has been conducted on the role of AI in politics, it has been underresearched in Iran. This research aims to explore the influence of artificial intelligence in shaping the political awareness and participation of digital users.
Method: This study was conducted employing a qualitative meta-analytical approach. This method allows for the systematic analysis and interpretation of findings from previous research to identify patterns, trends, and gaps in the existing literature. The main objective is to examine the influence of artificial intelligence on the formation of political awareness and participation among digital users based on a synthesis of relevant international studies. This approach offers a deeper understanding of how intelligent technologies shape political behaviors and offers a more comprehensive insights into the democratic implications of the digital era.
Findings: The results of the research indicate that artificial intelligence, through user data analysis, behavioral pattern recognition, and personalized information delivery, contributes to the enhancement of users’ political awareness. AI-powered tools such as recommender systems and search engines have facilitated faster and more efficient access to political information and analysis. Moreovere, political chatbots and interactive applications have increased digital users engagement in democratic processes and encouraged more active political participation. However, several critical challenges have also been identified. These include information polarization, the creation of echo chambers, the spread of fake news, and targeted political advertising—all of which can undermine the quality of political participation and influence the formation of political attitudes. In some instances, artificial intelligence systems present users with content that only reinforces their existing beliefs, leading to reduced interaction among diverse political groups and intensified social polarization.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that if properly implemented and accompanied by sound policy frameworks, artificial intelligence can enhance political awareness and promote democratic participation. However, unregulated use of this technology may pose serious risks such as manipulation of public opinion and the spread of misinformation.