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Think you can tell if someone will be a Democratic voter in November? Here's what an AI tool thinks are some telltale signs.
Are you a blue-haired, thrift store-obsessed vegan who has a penchant for social media activism? Or are you an athleisure-clad, rap-loving young professional who is always ready to hit the latest social justice protest in your urban neighborhood? If either of these descriptions rings true, then, according to AI tool ChatGPT, you may very well be a Democrat.
From Democrats to Republicans and independents, stereotypes surrounding the appearance and behavior of the different kinds of voters are endless, and AI-powered bots like ChatGPT have only learned to reiterate these messages.
Ahead of November's U.S. presidential election, Newsweek asked generative AI tool ChatGPT to outline some of the key ways to tell if someone is poised to vote for Democrats in the fall.
We gave ChatGPT the following prompt: "Tell me 10 ways I might spot a Democrat. In your response, please consider factors ranging from social indicators, fashion, entertainment, language use and media consumption."
10 Signs That You're a Democrat, According to ChatGPT
Below are some points outlined by the AI-powered tool as the markers of a Democrat.
Clothing and Fashion Choices
A person might wear progressive-themed clothing, such as shirts supporting environmental causes, LGBTQ+ rights or social justice movements, ChatGPT says. "They might also opt for brands that are known for sustainability or ethical production practices."
Social Media Activity
According to ChatGPT, Democrats often engage with and share content from "progressive or liberal platforms" on social media. "They may repost news from outlets like NPR, MSNBC or The New York Times, and support causes related to climate change, racial equality, and healthcare reform."
Entertainment Preferences
Those who lean toward voting for the Democratic Party might, according to the AI tool, prefer television shows, movies or documentaries that focus on social issues, diversity and inclusion. Popular shows like The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, or The Handmaid's Tale could be among their favorites.
Language and Terminology
Democrats often use language that emphasizes inclusivity and social justice, ChatGPT says. They might use terms like "intersectionality," "systemic racism" or "equity" in conversation. They might also be conscious of using gender-neutral language.
Media Consumption
Their news consumption might lean toward outlets known for a more liberal perspective, such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, MSNBC or NPR. They might also follow progressive podcasts or YouTube channels.
Participation in Social Causes
A Democrat, according to ChatGPT, might be involved in or support various social causes such as climate change activism, women's rights or racial justice movements like Black Lives Matter. "They may attend protests, rallies, or volunteer for campaigns related to these issues."
Books and Authors
Their bookshelf might include works by authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein or Rebecca Solnit. The AI-powered tool adds that Democratic voters might also be interested in books on topics like social justice, environmentalism or progressive politics.
Diet and Lifestyle Choices
"A person leaning Democratic might follow a vegetarian, vegan, or environmentally conscious diet," ChatGPT says. According to the bot, they may prefer organic foods, shop at farmers' markets, or support local and sustainable agriculture.
Cultural and Artistic Interests
They might appreciate art and music that promote social messages or that are associated with progressive movements. "Folk, indie, and hip-hop music that touches on social issues may be on their playlist," the AI-powered tool says.
Stance on Technology and Privacy
According to ChatGPT, a Democrat might advocate for strong net neutrality laws, digital privacy and be concerned about corporate overreach in tech. This could be reflected in their "support for regulations on big tech companies" and "preference for open-source software."
The AI-powered tool did note that its indicators are "general trends" and can vary widely among individuals.
"Not everyone who displays these traits identifies as a Democrat, and not all Democrats will exhibit these characteristics," ChatGPT adds, but what do actual Democratic voters think of its assessment?
'It Plays Into Stereotypes'
Jean Shields Fleming is a writer from the U.S. who is living in Greece while editing Certain Age Magazine. She recalls canvassing for the Democratic Party with her mother, then a precinct captain, while growing up in the States. Fleming says that being a Democrat in 2024 means "creating opportunity" for everyone, and that ChatGPT's assessment is too oversimplified.
"It plays right into stereotypes," Fleming, a lifelong Democrat, told Newsweek. "Sure, some of that may be true of some Democrats, but there is a much wider set of perspectives in the party.
"By emphasizing the most dramatic, we end up reinforcing the divisions instead of finding common ground. Clearly, ChatGPT still has a lot to learn."
When asked how people could then identify Democratic voters, Fleming said that the thing to look out for is whether the individual has a tendency to take care of others, especially the underdog.
"To me, Democratic policy is about making sure that everyday people have a shot at the American dream," she said. "I don't like the move to call people 'liberal' when they vote Democratic, or 'conservative' if they vote Republican, as both parties contain a spectrum of belief, some of which is at the edges but not all of it."
'We Do Have Younger Voters'
Pegi Jones, press coordinator for Democrats Abroad, is inclined to agree. Jones, who is based in Germany but votes in Colorado, said that the Democratic Party believes in what they do, and should not just be reduced to waving around empty symbols.
"The Democratic Party is a very diverse and welcoming party," Jones, a Democratic voter since she turned 18, told Newsweek.
While it was not spot on, the press coordinator did say that the AI-powered tool was not too far off from making a fair assessment.
"We do indeed have younger voters, as the Democrats are working for a better future for them and their environment," she said. "We care about all and others.
"That also means we advocate for healthcare reform, climate change action, improving social justice issues, all people's rights, which include LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and fair immigration reform."
Before joining Democrats Abroad, Jones worked as a page at the Democratic State Convention. She also worked on her brother's campaign to get him elected to the Colorado House of Representatives, where he served many years, as well as in the Colorado Senate.
"It means a lot to be a Democrat voter in 2024," Jones said. "There is so much at stake, so many freedoms are at risk.
"We want to continue to propel forward and making America a better and fairer place for all Americans. We are not going back!"
On spotting a Democrat, the press coordinator said, like Fleming, that Democrats are known for their care of the less fortunate, as well as an open and curious demeanor.
"We are less frightful and angry, have a good sense of humor, yet self-critique is common, and joy is preferred over doom and gloom," she added.
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