AI struggles to generate high-quality comedic material because the safety filters used to prevent violent or racist responses also limit its ability to create the out-of-bounds humor often found in successful comedy writing. (Source: Image by RR)

Google DeepMind’s Study Shows AI Can’t Match Human Creativity in Comedy

Google DeepMind researchers, led by Piotr Mirowski, conducted a study to examine the effectiveness of AI in writing comedy by involving 20 professional comedians. They discovered that AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini could assist in structuring monologues and producing rough drafts, yet they failed to generate genuinely funny or original material. The comedians found the AI-generated jokes to be bland and uninspiring, often comparing them to outdated and generic humor. While AI was useful for overcoming writer’s block and providing initial ideas, the quality of the content was generally poor, leading comedians to feel unproud of the material.

Additionally, the study highlighted significant limitations in AI’s ability to understand and produce humor. The safety filters and reliance on large datasets of generic content prevented AI from creating the kind of edgy or dark humor often found in professional comedy. Participants noted that the AI’s jokes lacked surprise and creativity, which are essential elements of good comedy. As noted in technologyreview.com, the AI models showed bias, as they were unable to generate diverse perspectives, reinforcing existing stereotypes and marginalizing minority groups.

Despite these limitations, some comedians acknowledged that AI could be helpful for certain tasks, such as providing a framework for sketches or tackling a blank page. However, they emphasized that true creative and comedic writing relies heavily on personal experience and unique perspectives, which AI cannot replicate. The study concluded that while AI might expedite the writing process, it cannot replace the depth and originality of human creativity in comedy.

Colleen Lavin, a comedian who participated in the study, illustrated the potential and limitations of AI in comedy through her experience. She used AI for promotional material but avoided using it to generate jokes, valuing the personal touch and originality in her writing. The findings suggest that while AI can assist in some aspects of comedy writing, it falls short of producing high-quality, engaging, and creative content that resonates with audiences.

read more at technologyreview.com