MISINFORMATION RESILIENCE AND DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION IN THE ERA OF GENERATIVE AI: A COMPARATIVE SOCIAL SCIENCE STUDY

Abstract

The rapid expansion of generative artificial intelligence has transformed the production, circulation, and personalization of political information, creating new challenges for democratic participation and public trust. This study examines misinformation resilience and democratic participation in the era of generative AI through a comparative social science perspective. The paper focuses on how citizens’ digital literacy, trust in AI-generated content, platform exposure, fact-checking behavior, and institutional confidence shape their ability to identify and resist misleading political information. The results indicate that misinformation resilience is strongly associated with higher levels of digital media literacy, critical verification habits, and confidence in democratic institutions. Participants with stronger fact-checking behavior and lower uncritical trust in AI-generated content demonstrated greater ability to recognize manipulated narratives and were more likely to maintain constructive political engagement. The comparative findings further suggest that younger respondents showed higher exposure to generative AI content, while older respondents displayed more cautious attitudes toward AI-mediated political information. Social media platforms were identified as the dominant channel through which AI-driven misinformation circulates, highlighting the need for platform accountability and public education. Overall, the study shows that generative AI does not only intensify misinformation risks but also creates an urgent need to strengthen civic resilience, digital literacy, and democratic safeguards. The findings contribute to ongoing debates on AI governance, political communication, and democratic sustainability in digitally mediated societies.