According to Freshwater Strategy director Mike Turner, it will likely be the first where a significant number of voters lean on artificial intelligence tools to decide who to vote for.
Artificial Intelligence as a Ballot Box Guardian
Speaking on Q+A, Turner warned that the technology is set to become a fundamental disrupter in politics. For many citizens, these tools will act as a digital guardian when they cast a ballot.
Artificial intelligence is altering not only policy formulation but also how people choose their preferred candidates. This technological shift is already visible in active campaigning. Specifically, AI calling has grown more popular, as Turner noted during his appearance on the show.
Fading Party Control and the Late Decider
Voters are actively tuning out of traditional political campaigning. Driven by social media algorithms, citizens are making their electoral decisions later than in previous years.
This evolving reality leaves political parties with far less control over their messaging compared to two decades ago. Because of information overload, people engage with campaigns less, and campaigns struggle to cut through the noise.
Turner noted that much of the voter’s fate will be left to a last-minute stroll up to the polling booth. Individuals are increasingly opting to quickly research which party to support at the final hour.
The Americanization of Gen Alpha
The broader technological shift is reshaping younger demographics in particular, exposing users to more international and overseas internet content.
Turner highlighted that the youngest cohort, Gen Alpha, is heavily influenced by American politics. According to the pollster, these younger users consume very little domestic politics.
Most of their digital feeds are focused on events in the United States. Consequently, Turner suggested they would likely know more about American politics than what is happening politically within New Zealand.