AI's Role in Comedy: A New Wave of Joke-Writing
Comedians like Anesti Danelis and Viv Ford are incorporating AI into their joke-writing process. Audience members have responded positively to AI-infused comedy performances. The comedy industry has experienced significant growth, with substantial increases in ticket sales and economic contributions.
By collaborating with the AI chatbot ChatGPT, Anesti has incorporated AI-generated content into his show "Artificially Intelligent," which he performed at the Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Anesti explained that, while some AI-generated jokes were subpar, the technology was essential for brainstorming new ideas. He was surprised by ChatGPT's ability to structure his program, including a comprehensive running order. Despite this AI aid, Anesti stressed the importance of human innovation, with AI accounting for only 20% of his show.
Anesti's AI-infused performance has received a great response from audience members such as Olivia Smith and Bethany Radford in Toronto. While Olivia praised the creative usage of AI on stage, Bethany emphasised the need of being transparent about AI's role in the creative process.
In a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California, AI-generated jokes outperformed those created by humans. However, not everyone is convinced that AI is superior in comedy. Viv Ford, a US comedian playing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, tested her material on ChatGPT but acknowledged the audience's ultimate decision on joke quality.
The comedy industry has expanded dramatically, with the US stand-up comedy market nearly tripling in value over the last decade. In 2023, US comedy ticket sales were $900 million (£700 million), up from $371 million in 2012. Similarly, live comedy in the UK currently contributes more than £1 billion to the economy each year, which includes ticket sales, venue revenue, and local economic benefits.
While some comedians, including Anesti and Viv, have embraced AI as a creative tool, others, such as James Roque, are wary. Roque believes that true comedy is based on human vulnerability, which AI cannot reproduce. As the argument continues, the future of comedy remains unknown, with concerns that AI may become a crutch for aspiring comedians.
Comedians like Anesti Danelis and Viv Ford are incorporating AI into their joke-writing process.
Audience members have responded positively to AI-infused comedy performances.
The comedy industry has experienced significant growth, with substantial increases in ticket sales and economic contributions.
Source: BBC