Elections Glossary

AI (Artificial Intelligence): Artificial intelligence is the science of making machines that can think like humans. It can do things that are considered "smart." AI technology can process large amounts of data in ways unlike humans. The goal for AI is to be able to do things such as recognize patterns, make decisions, and judge like humans.

Algorithm: A set of instructions the computer follows to accomplish a task. Algorithms are the “recipes” that make everything on the Internet possible.

Autonomous Polling Stations: Places where voting processes are automated using AI and robotics.

Chatbot: Software application simulating human conversation, such as the customer service chats you use online.

Click Bait: Online content whose primary purpose is to attract attention and encourage visitors to click on a link to a particular web page. Think of the bait you use for fishing.

Digital Campaign: Election campaigns run primarily through online platforms.

Disinformation Detection: AI tools identifying and flag false information. Some tools identify content that AI has created. Unfortunately, new ways of avoiding detection are created as new devices are made.

Election Analytics: Using data analysis to predict or influence election outcomes. Data is gathered from your behavior online.

Facial Recognition: AI application identifying people using their facial features, such as opening your phone using your face.

Fake News Detection: AI systems identifying fabricated news stories. Unfortunately, systems to avoid detection are being created as quickly as detection tools.

NLP (Natural Language Processing): Enables machines to understand and respond to human language. For example, ChatGPT allows you to ask questions and receive an answer.

Microtargeting: Tailoring political messages to specific demographic groups using data analytics. Your online behavior creates data. This data is shared behind the scenes, allowing campaigns to target particular groups with correct information or misinformation.

Social Media Monitoring: Using AI tools to track and analyze discussions on platforms like Meta and X.

Voter Behavior Analysis: Using AI to predict how groups or individuals vote. This analysis is based on your online behavior.