Greg Fish walks through new research showing chatbots may be doing something researchers didn't think was possible, shifting people's political preferences even when their party identity feels fixed. He starts with a Japanese study where voters talking to chatbots suddenly swung toward a party they had no prior connection to.

He explains why people seem to let their guard down with AI in a way they never would with a person, treating it as a neutral, unbiased source even though it is privately owned and can be tuned to favour a candidate. Greg also breaks down why free chatbots may lean more heavily on freely available propaganda and opinion content, simply because quality journalism sits behind a paywall these tools cannot access.

If you have ever asked a chatbot to explain a candidate or a policy, this is worth hearing before you do it again.

Topics: chatbots swaying voters, AI election influence, chatbot political bias, paywalled journalism AI, AI persuasion

GUEST: Greg Fish | cyberpunksurvivalguide.com

Originally aired on 2026-08-12

Greg Fish walks through new research showing chatbots may be doing something researchers didn't think was possible, shifting people's political preferences even when their party identity feels fixed. He starts with a Japanese study where voters talking to chatbots suddenly swung toward a party they had no prior connection to.
He explains why people seem to let their guard down with AI in a way they never would with a person, treating it as a neutral, unbiased source even though it is privately owned and can be tuned to favour a candidate. Greg also breaks down why free chatbots may lean more heavily on freely available propaganda and opinion content, simply because quality journalism sits behind a paywall these tools cannot access.
If you have ever asked a chatbot to explain a candidate or a policy, this is worth hearing before you do it again.
Topics: chatbots swaying voters, AI election influence, chatbot political bias, paywalled journalism AI, AI persuasion
GUEST: Greg Fish | cyberpunksurvivalguide.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-08-12

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.