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Social Media is Populist and Polarising; AI May Be the Opposite
The Australian Financial Review
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Details
- Date Published
- 29 Mar 2026
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 29 Mar 2026, 04:00 am
Authors (1)
Description
Large language models elevate expert consensus and moderate views, in sharp contrast to social platforms.
Summary
This analysis posits that large language models (LLMs) differ from social media algorithms by prioritizing expert consensus and centrist viewpoints over inflammatory or polarizing content. While social media has historically fueled populism and the erosion of trust in institutions, generative AI's tendency toward 'middle-ground' responses could serve as a moderating force in the global information ecosystem. This shift has significant implications for how societal stability is maintained and how governance frameworks address the spread of misinformation and catastrophic social fragmentation.
Body
TechnologyAIPrint articleMar 29, 2026 – 1.27pmFrom the Arab Spring uprisings to the ongoing electoral gains of the radical right and left to the rise of anti-science sentiment, the past 15 years have been characterised by waves of populism, polarisation and an erosion of trust in experts, expertise and the establishment.Many factors contribute to these trends, but, as I have previously argued, a key one is the dramatic change in our information environment brought about by the rise of social media.Loading...Financial TimesSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreAIOpinionElon MuskGoogleOpenAIFetching latest articles