Concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on democracy and society were a dominant theme at this year’s Athens Democracy Forum, held in late September. The annual event brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, and activists to explore pressing global challenges.

One illustrative example highlighted during the forum involved Lorena Austin, a Democratic member of Arizona’s House of Representatives. A doctored social media advertisement falsely showed Austin alongside Republicans endorsing her conservative opponent, Andy Biggs, who is running for governor in November. William Gates, executive director of the Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory at Arizona State University, cited the incident as evidence of the growing threat posed by AI-generated disinformation. Gates emphasized that while political deception is not new, the speed and ease with which sophisticated fake content can now be produced have escalated the risks significantly. He noted that AI can quickly manufacture misleading images or videos, such as false announcements of election cancellations or polling station closures, which could mislead voters and undermine democratic processes.

Panels throughout the forum examined other consequences of technological advancements, including cyberattacks, deepfakes, and the pervasive influence of social media. The discussions also contextualized these risks within broader geopolitical issues, such as the ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and the political climate following the U.S. congressional elections held on November 3.

Youth engagement was a key focus, with sessions dedicated to the experiences of younger generations. One panel addressed debates around minors’ access to social media, sparked in part by Australia’s recent ban on children under 16 from major platforms. Peter G. Kirchschläger, professor of ethics at the University of Lucerne and visiting professor at ETH Zurich, advocated for greater preventive measures, arguing that young people exhibit signs of addiction to social media and require educational interventions akin to public health approaches for tobacco use. In contrast, teenage participant Alexia Kadoglou argued against outright bans, asserting that social media serves as a vital tool for communication, news consumption, and self-expression. She called instead for digital literacy programs that empower youth to use technology responsibly, emphasizing the importance of including young voices in policy decisions.

The transformation of journalism amid digital disruption was another core topic addressed by forum speakers. Declining print readership and advertising revenue have already challenged traditional media. The advent of AI-generated content, including news delivered through chatbots, adds further complexity. Martin Baron, former executive editor of The Washington Post, described AI as an “enormous threat” to the journalism industry. He noted that many people now rely on AI tools for news, sometimes placing greater trust in these sources than in established media outlets, raising concerns about information accuracy and journalistic integrity.

Overall, the Athens Democracy Forum underscored the urgent need to address the multifaceted risks and opportunities presented by rapidly evolving technologies, stressing the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and fostering informed public discourse amid the digital age.