Date of Award
6-12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Journalism, MSMC
First Advisor
Manu Bhandari
Committee Members
Brad Rawlins; Cherisse Jones-Branch; Scott Anderson
Call Number
ISBN 9798280759510
Abstract
Campaign messages created using artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used in the 2024 Presidential election. AI videos, images, and audio recordings were used for the first time in campaign strategies to influence voters. The purpose of this research is to examine the AI campaign messages to identify rhetorical strategies used to influence voters. A selection of campaign artifacts was analyzed according to Aristotelian rhetorical strategies – ethos, pathos, and logos. Aristotle states that these techniques can be manipulated in the interest of political persuasion. The findings support his position and indicate that most 2024 AI campaign messages are partisan, manipulative, and contrived. Messages use celebrity credibility and high emotional appeals in their attempts to influence voters. Results show AI campaign messages do not rely on facts and logical arguments to persuade. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Henry, Odette A., "AI And Affective Polarization: The Ethos, Pathos, And Logos of Political Rhetoric" (2025). Student Theses and Dissertations. 1078.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/1078
