15 Jun

CAS: The Reputational Threat of Scandalous Deepfakes and their Effects on Voting Intention

Opening hours / Beginning:

Tue:
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

15 June 2021

The Center for Advanced Studies at LMU provides a forum for scientific exchange and discussion that bridges the divide between the established disciplines. Its activities are designed to promote all forms of collaborative research and to stimulate interdisciplinary communication within the University. In addition, it facilitates the integration of visiting scholars and scientists into the academic life of the University.

According to expert predictions, politicians are likely to become a target of deepfakes, defined as real­looking yet fraudulent videos created using artificial intelligence (AI). A synthetized version of a politician can be shown saying or doing things they never have, and that are contrary to what most people would consider appropriate – thus staging a full­fledged scandal. Currently, scholars and pundits alike assume that deepfakes could ruin the reputation of the respective politician, making it unlikely that he/she would be elected. Yet, such contentions are to be tested empirically, especially in comparison with the effects of traditional fraudulent videos (i.e., those not using AI) and “classical” text­based rumors on the one hand, and authentic incriminating videos on the other.

A Workshop ed by Dr. Viorela Dan (CAS Junior Researcher in Residence/LMU).

The event will be conducted in English. For further information, see the CAS website.

What are you looking for?