Albertans Use AI to Research Complex Fall Referendum

More than 20,000 Albertans used artificial intelligence platforms to research topics for a fall referendum, according to Google Trends data from the past week. The surge in AI usage follows criticism regarding the length and complexity of the first nine referendum questions, which cover immigration and the Constitution.

Stephanie Husby, Chair of Science and Technology at NorQuest College, noted that AI serves as a tool for simplifying these questions and exploring various political positions. However, she cautioned that because AI is predictive, users must engage with the technology by providing detailed information and performing rigorous fact-checking.

Advance voting began Tuesday and continues through Saturday, leading up to the final voting day on Monday, October 19. NorQuest College expects AI search trends to increase further as the deadline approaches.