The crisis in the relationship between the governing and the governed is substantive and emotional. More and more people feel that politicians talk past them, are interchangeable and inauthentic. A host of speaking automatons, it seems, are constantly reassembling the same phrases.
Into this mix falls the case of Thuringia’s Minister Mario Voigt (CDU). As Die Zeit reports, Voigt apparently had speeches written by artificial intelligence (AI). The author of the commentary argues that politicians rob themselves of their most important resource when they use AI for speeches: their own voice and authenticity.
The use of generic phrases and interchangeable language reinforces the image of politicians as speaking automatons. In contrast, politicians like Björn Höcke (AfD) stand out with individual, albeit questionable, language. The longing for authenticity and a real connection with voters remains unfulfilled in political communication.
The Voigt case shows how AI can further undermine the already damaged credibility of politicians. Anyone who does not find their own words, the gist goes, should not become a politician.
Source: www.zeit.de
