The conversation around generative AI and its impact on artists continues to spark debate across the creative industry, but Bob Mankoff offers one of the most grounded and insightful perspectives. As a 40-year veteran cartoonist and former cartoon editor of The New Yorker, Mankoff approaches the future of creators in the AI era with clarity and balance. He does not see artificial intelligence as a looming threat but as a powerful creative companion that can support artistic exploration when used with intention, discipline, and human oversight. His core message is unshakable. No matter how advanced technology becomes, the human mind remains the ultimate authority in determining meaning, humor, and artistic value.
“I am a fan of AI but I would not seed to it the ultimate judgment. What you think is funny or a good song or a good novel.”
Can machines truly grasp nuance, understand emotional depth, or recognize what makes something genuinely funny or moving? According to Mankoff, the answer is no. These qualities belong exclusively to human experience. He points to the idea, famously expressed by Mark Twain, that the essence of humor is rooted in sorrow, conflict, and emotional struggle. Humor is not just about amusement. It is about coping with the difficulties and injustices of life. Because AI does not experience pain, love, grief, or resilience, it cannot access the emotional foundation on which real creativity is built. This reinforces the idea that while algorithms can generate content, they cannot replicate authentic human insight.
Mankoff emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for creative professionals. It may assist in brainstorming, shaping concepts, or enhancing production, but it cannot replace the instincts, empathy, and intuition that define great art, writing, illustration, and storytelling. What truly separates humans from machines is individual sensibility. Artificial intelligence is trained on patterns and averages, but no person is an average. Every creator carries a unique blend of memories, losses, influences, humor, and perspective that cannot be duplicated by code. When it comes to the deeply personal and existential questions of life and art, Mankoff believes that people will always remain essential, and if AI ever masters humor, he hopes it happens long after his time.
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