THE EVOLUTION OF MANIPULATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTORAL PROCESSES: CHALLENGES FOR DEMOCRACY

Abstract

The article examines the evolution of manipulative technologies in parliamentary electoral processes and their impact on democratic institutions. The study traces the transformation of political influence methods: from traditional forms of propaganda, such as printed agitation, radio, and television broadcasts, to modern digital tools, including targeted advertising, automated bots, trolling, artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and hypernudging. It is demonstrated that in the 21st century, disinformation campaigns have reached an industrial scale, leveraging the resources of social media, political consultants, and sometimes external actors. These methods undermine trust in electoral processes, exacerbate societal polarization, and threaten the legitimacy of democratic procedures. Special attention is given to the mechanisms of influence, particularly the use of emotional appeals (fear, anger, pride), microtargeting based on big data, and the creation of manipulative narratives and symbolism. The article analyzes key examples, such as the 2016 election campaigns (Brexit, U.S. elections) and the Ukrainian context (2019 elections), where disinformation attacks combined internal and external factors. It is noted that modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, significantly enhance the effectiveness of manipulations, posing new challenges such as deepfake videos and algorithmic behavior control (hypernudging), which threaten voter autonomy. The need for new regulatory approaches is argued, including enhancing the transparency of political advertising, promoting media literacy, and updating legislation. In Ukraine, given the experience of information warfare, the focus is on countering hybrid threats and strengthening institutional resilience. The study systematizes types of manipulative technologies by historical periods and influence mechanisms, offering generalizations for developing effective countermeasures. The work emphasizes that preserving democratic values in the digital age requires rapid adaptation to technological changes, including the establishment of legal and societal barriers against information abuses.