# Dr. Jill Lepore: Why AI Backlash is Crucial for the Future Harvard professor Jill Lepore discusses AI and the state in her new book. - **Source:** [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-20 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/47eac15f-b4b3-4779-b7fc-85471485e23b ## AI and the State Harvard professor Dr. Jill Lepore explores the relationship between AI and the state in her new book, 'The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State'. The book examines how systems turn humans into measurable entities and how this impacts democratic processes. ## The History of Measurement Lepore traces the evolution of measurement from ancient censuses to modern political polling. This process shows how people are transformed into data and controlled by systems. ## The Turning Point in the 1980s The 1980s marked a turning point with the rise of personal computers and microtargeting techniques. Lepore highlights the impact of this era on political campaigns and advertising. ## Technology and Power Systems Lepore explains how technology shapes power systems and how these systems adapt to the ways people use technology. This has a significant impact on democratic processes. ## The Democratizing Effect of the Internet The internet led to a major democratization process in the late 20th and 21st centuries. Lepore evaluates the impact of this process on platforms like Twitter. ## The Future of AI and the State Lepore expresses hope for the future of AI and the state. She emphasizes the importance of young people's backlash against AI CEOs. ## The Role of the Private Sector The book examines how state functions are being taken over by the private sector. This poses a serious threat to democratic processes. ## Bots and Public Opinion It is noted that bots outnumber humans on social media platforms. These bots are used to manipulate public opinion and weaken democratic processes. ## The Decline of Liberal Democracy Lepore explains how liberal democracy is threatened by the artificial state. This has a significant impact on free expression and democratic debate. ## Hope for the Future Lepore expresses hope for the future, particularly highlighting the importance of young people's reactions to technology. ## The Importance of the Book Dr. Jill Lepore's book provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between AI and the state. It is an important resource for understanding threats to democratic processes. ## Conclusion Dr. Jill Lepore's work is crucial for understanding the relationship between AI and the state. This interview offers important insights for future democratic processes. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theverge.com/podcast/967884/jill-lepore-history-ai-artificial-state-elon-musk — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._