Algorithmic bias and media manipulation: A systematic review of AI’s Role in shaping public perception and political discourse
Amaka Peace Onebunne · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · 2022
Artificial intelligence's (AI) influence on public opinion and political discourse necessitates immediate attention as it gets more and more integrated into media infrastructures. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 25 peer-reviewed papers published between 2015 and 2022 to investigate the relationship between algorithmic bias, media manipulation, and public trust. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, the review examines how AI-driven systems impact content curation, magnify false information, and mediate political communication. Five themes emerge from the analysis: political manipulation, public trust and democratic engagement, algorithmic fairness, AI in media and journalism, and the changing nature of ethical and legal governance. Findings reveal that while AI systems can provide content more efficiently, they also reinforce bias, reduce the diversity of information, and operate with limited accountability or transparency. The review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to algorithmic governance, especially as societies struggle with the democratic consequences of opaque and increasingly influential media technologies