Most Americans associate the year 1776 with the country’s independence, but a lot more happened that year. Scottish inventor Thomas Watt introduced an improved steam engine that ushered in the Industrial Revolution. Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations, providing a fresh vision for economics. This convergence of transformative technological, economic, and political activity completely reshaped the way people lived, worked, and governed themselves. It was a time when leaders were reimagining the very purpose of our nascent democratic institutions and how to proceed in a way that was best for all citizens.
Almost 250 years later, we’re at a similar convergence. The introduction and rapid progression of artificial intelligence (AI) presents our society with unprecedented challenges but also opportunities that, if approached thoughtfully, could strengthen Americans’ engagement with the democratic process.
