Bob Mankoff, the former cartoon editor of The New Yorker, delves into how AI is reshaping the world of humor, particularly through the lens of the New Yorker caption contest. Although AI initially had difficulty grasping the nuances of humor, recent advancements have enabled it to analyze existing cartoons and even propose fresh concepts. Mankoff notes that while AI can be a valuable brainstorming partner and might generate new cartoons, it ultimately falls short of capturing the human essence of vulnerability and lived experience—key elements that make humor resonate deeply, especially when it stems from themes of sorrow and mortality. He underscores that while AI serves as a useful tool, it cannot substitute for genuine human creativity.
