The power of voice: bots, democracy and the problem of political ventriloquism

Abstract

This paper considers the problem of political ventriloquism in a digital age. Democracy relies on the authority of collective voice conceived of as constituent power or vox populi but new technologies that mimic human participation can divert public debate, posing a threat to authenticity and accountability. If ventriloquism primarily serves to manipulate the gullible, the practice should be curtailed. However, this neglects the power of ventriloquism to also open politics to new voices and minimizes the responsibility of listeners. Efforts to address the practice, therefore, cannot follow a model based on simple silencing without prioritizing pacification over transformation.

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