The distinction is between information flowing from people to power (elicitation), vs. it flowing from power to people (persuasion). These are not the same, even if they are closely related.

I guess I wasn't clear enough, _generally_ democracy = manufactured consent by manipulation of people by 'power'

Does AI make real opinion easier to hear, or fake opinion easier to spread? Even if you believe wholly in manufactured consent, how easy it is to manufacture matters.

>Does AI make real opinion easier to hear, or fake opinion easier to spread?

The latter.

(caveat: we are talking about the vast majority of people, since you are on this forum your personal situation will be the opposite)

>Even if you believe wholly in manufactured consent, how easy it is to manufacture matters.

I believe it's easier.

(same caveat applies)