AI AND ALGORITHMIC WARFARE: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC DISCOURSE MANIPULATION

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence has gradually turned into a central instrument in global digital communication, with a deep-seated influence on public discourse through algorithmic influence and hybrid warfare. This study conducted an analysis of expert discourse on how AI-mediated systems structure knowledge, guide perception, and operationalize strategic content dissemination. Findings shows that AI references dominate the discussions (61.78% to 70.14%), while algorithms account 13.38% to 15.18%, bias for 7.95%, ethics for 15.72%, law for 13.33%, and privacy for 10.26%, highlighting both the normative and ethical concerns of the technology. Experts elaborate on operational mechanism such a procedural process (“way” 45.17%, “work” 13.00%, “policy” 7.4% and “power” 9.54%). The sentiment analysis largely shows neutral engagement at cautions optimism and critical concern. These results point out that AI-driven systems are not only technical instrument but also tools of narrative manipulation, geopolitical influence, and social control. This point raises control a development that raised urgent questions regarding governance, digital ethics, and democratic resilience in the era of algorithmically engineered public discourse.