The article highlights the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping public opinion, emphasizing how platforms like ChatGPT are increasingly used by individuals to gather information on various topics, including purchasing decisions, travel, medical choices, legal interpretations, and political referendums. With a significant uptake in usage, the AI's responses are perceived with authority; however, the opacity of AI processes raises concerns about the reliability and bias inherent in its outputs.

Moreover, the author points out that the rapid adoption of AI tools has transformed the landscape of information consumption, particularly among Europeans and journalists, who are looking to these technologies as sources of knowledge. The swift spread of ChatGPT, which achieved one million users in just five days, marks an unprecedented milestone in the realm of digital technologies. This rapid integration into everyday decision-making processes shifts the dynamics of how public opinion is formed and influenced.

The implications are profound as AI’s growing footprint in decision-making could lead to an organized manipulation of information, potentially swaying public opinion in favor of certain outcomes, such as in a referendum context. This scenario poses significant ethical questions regarding the use of AI in public discourse, particularly about transparency in the algorithms that dictate the information citizens consume, reflecting a need for a deeper understanding of AI functionalities and its impacts on democracy and civic engagement.