CEC slams exit polls, trends on TV channels; calls for corrective steps
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)
| Topic: GS2 – Governance |
| Context |
| ● Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar criticised the distortion caused by exit polls, highlighting the gap between expectations and actual results.
● He called for transparency in exit poll methodology and self-regulation by media bodies. ● He also condemned news channels for flashing voting trends prematurely, creating unnecessary public confusion before official results are declared. |
Analysis of the News
| Exit polls |
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Impact of Wrong Exit Polls
- Creates False Expectations: Mismatched exit poll results raise public expectations, leading to frustration when actual results differ.
- Undermines Election Credibility: Discrepancies between exit polls and real outcomes can cast doubt on the fairness and accuracy of the electoral process.
- Influences Voter Perception: Misleading polls might sway voter behaviour, altering their expectations of certain candidates or parties.
- Erodes Trust in Polling Agencies: Repeated inaccuracies reduce public confidence in pollsters and their methodologies.
- Political Tension: In cases of significant deviation, exit polls can fuel political unrest and disputes over election results.
- Media Accountability: Lack of transparency in polling methods weakens journalistic responsibility, potentially distorting public discourse.
Use of Artificial Intelligence for Influence in Elections
- Targeted Misinformation: AI-driven bots can rapidly spread misinformation to manipulate voter opinions and decision-making.
- Micro-targeting of Voters: AI enables campaigns to precisely target specific voter groups with tailored ads, influencing electoral outcomes.
- Deepfake Technology: AI can generate deepfake videos, spreading false narratives or damaging reputations of political figures.
- Data Mining: AI uses vast voter data to predict preferences and devise strategies to exploit emotional and cognitive biases.
- Social Media Manipulation: AI can create and operate fake social media accounts to amplify biassed content and sway public opinion.
- Real-time Monitoring: AI tools can monitor trends and adjust campaign strategies dynamically, affecting voter behaviour during critical phases of elections.
| Practice Question: Discuss the potential implications of inaccurate exit polls on the electoral process and public trust in democratic institutions. How can the use of artificial intelligence influence elections, and what measures can be taken to prevent its misuse? (250 Words /15 marks) |
