O impacto da inteligência artificial nas eleições sob a perspectiva da teoria ator-rede: uma revisão de escopo

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on electoral processes, analyzing how academic and grey literature have addressed this issue from the perspective of Actor-Network Theory (ANT). Conducted as a scoping review, the research is structured around a guiding question: How has academic literature addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on elections, considering the interaction between electoral processes and human and non-human actors? To deepen this analysis, key research questions were formulated to map existing studies, identify gaps, and examine the applicability of ANT in the electoral context. The findings highlight that, while AI enables more effective political campaigns, its use also presents significant risks, such as misinformation, public opinion manipulation, and regulatory challenges. The study reveals that the literature on this subject still lacks robust theoretical approaches that integrate the interaction between human and non-human actors, a core aspect of ANT. Furthermore, an increase in academic production on AI's impact on elections is observed, driven by the growing adoption of these technologies in the political landscape. Given this scenario, the study reinforces the need for effective regulations and educational initiatives that promote the responsible use of AI in electoral processes. The scoping review not only synthesizes existing knowledge but also contributes to the development of strategies that ensure greater transparency and integrity in elections. The study concludes that, while AI represents an opportunity to democratize electoral campaigns, its improper use may undermine trust and legitimacy in the electoral process.