Can AI Bring Humor to Humankind?

Artificial intelligence has managed to infiltrate myriad aspects of our lives, and now it seems that even the realm of comedy isn’t safe from its grasp. The buzz surrounding AI and humor is growing louder, raising the provocative question: can machines help us become funnier?

Embracing technology with a grin: the future of humor?

A Controversial View from the Comedy Frontier

The intersection of AI and comedy has ignited both keen interest and skepticism among comedians, writers, and audiences alike. In May 2023, comedy stalwart Joe Toplyn—known for his work with icons such as David Letterman and Jay Leno—stood on the picket lines, holding a sign that read, “Don’t let ChatGPT write Yellowstone.” His protest was part of the Writers Guild of America strike, which sought to address critical issues regarding pay, job security, and the impending encroachment of artificial intelligence in the writing industry.

Fast forward to August 2024, and Toplyn has taken a bold step that some find contradictory: he launched Witscript, an AI-powered joke-writing tool designed to help writers brainstorm and craft humorous content more efficiently.

“Inherently hack,” some critics have dubbed his novel concept through social media, while others voiced severe disapproval, stating, “I cannot fathom a technology I would like less to exist.” However, despite the backlash, Toplyn remains adamant about AI’s potential to enhance comedic expression. He argues that far from being a threat, tools like Witscript could elevate productivity, allowing comedians to incorporate fresh material into their acts more seamlessly.

AI as a Creative Collaborator

Toplyn asserts that comedy is, at its core, a collaborative process. He believes many successful comics already utilize a range of “inspirational” tools, from adapting others’ jokes to outright borrowing them. “If a comedy writer did use Witscript as a tool, nobody would ever have to know,” he insists. He envisions Witscript as a creative assistant—enabling comedians to maintain original and fresh content, thus enriching their performances.

Protesting for writers’ rights: Toplyn at the Writers Guild strike.

What makes Witscript unique is its dual approach, leveraging ChatGPT while also being calibrated to follow Toplyn’s principles of humor. By adopting this technique, he believes Witscript can generate genuinely amusing content, tailored to human joke-creation methodologies. In fact, the tool has already garnered interest from non-comedians, appealing to those eager to inject humor into their daily lives without the expertise required to craft jokes on their own.

Aiding Comedic Expression for Non-Natives

Moreover, this tech movement isn’t exclusive to seasoned comics. Recent research from the University of Sydney introduced an AI-assisted application aimed at helping individuals—especially non-native English speakers—enhance their humor by suggesting funny captions for New Yorker cartoons. Dr. Anusha Withana, who led this endeavor, shared his motivation derived from personal experiences navigating the nuances of cultural humor.

Having faced his own struggles with humor across varying audiences, Withana’s project analyzed how people from distinct backgrounds generate and respond to comedy. This fascinating journey revealed that individuals supported by AI tools produced captions that were, in fact, significantly funnier than those generated without assistance. By sparking creativity and providing a nudge, these tools allowed participants to personalize their humor and overcome writer’s block.

New horizons for humor: AI-generated captions on classic cartoons.

The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Comedy

Nevertheless, as we summon these technological advancements, we must tread carefully. The swift evolution of AI capabilities has also led to concerns regarding censorship. Piotr Mirowski, a research scientist at Google’s DeepMind, warns that the current output of AI systems may be seen as “sanitized,” lacking the sharp edge traditionally associated with comedic content. With the rise of public expectations around AI-generated material, the unique absurdity that flourished in early AI outputs has taken a backseat.

Mirowski’s research demonstrates that safety filters employed in AI systems often restrict risky or edgy subject matter, leading to a blandness that fails to push the boundaries of humor. In experiments, professional comedians noted that AI seemed to adhere to “politically correct” caricatures, stripping away the nuanced and often controversial elements that can define true comedy.

Humor’s Human Essence

The key takeaway from these dialogues around AI in comedy is the undeniable role of the human element. Mirowski emphasizes that laughter is still rooted in human experience and connections—an area where current AI systems lag substantially. “AI has no lived embodied experience to which we humans can relate, and where comedy often comes from,” he clarifies.

Despite the potential of AI in reshaping how humor is created and consumed, our ability to discern the subtleties of comedic timing, context, and personal touch still remains quintessentially human. The complex interplay between technology and comedy brings forth the opportunity for assistance, but also a reminder of what makes humor distinctly ours.

The fusion of AI and comedy: a glimpse into Improbotics.

Conclusion: The Future of Laughs?

As we navigate through these exciting yet challenging waters, it’s clear that comedians will always hold a prominent space in this evolving ecosystem. Tools like Witscript and other AI applications may serve as catalysts to bolster creativity and foster laughter, but they are not replacements for the relatable, lived experiences that comedians impart in their work. Whether you’re a struggling comic or just someone looking to make others chuckle, the future of humor might just be tinged with the extraordinary capabilities of AI, blended with the irreplaceable touch of human wit.