Jill Lepore Examines Threats of Artificial Intelligence and Democracy in New Book
Harvard professor Jill Lepore explores the threats posed by big tech companies and artificial intelligence to American democracy in her new book.
Harvard University professor of history and law Jill Lepore examines the dangers of artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, and big tech to American democracy and the concept of informed citizenship in her new book, "The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State."
Definition of the Artificial State and Digital Infrastructure
Jill Lepore defines the artificial state as the unfinished digital communication infrastructure used by governments and corporations to organize and automate political behavior and public discourse.
Threats to Democracy and Public Life
The author argues that nearly every element of public and democratic life—including civil society, representative government, informed citizenship, and freedom of speech—is vulnerable to being undermined by these systems.
Environmental Impacts and Fossil Fuel Concerns
Drawing attention to the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence, the book notes that global data center power usage could increase by 200 percent between 2025 and 2030, likely relying on fossil fuels.
Citizen Agency and the Way Out
The work concludes with a call for citizens to regain their sense of agency by examining facts, reasoning, philosophy, and history.