Jokes From A Humorless Machine: Review and Giveaway

MAGIC MACHINE SERIES
by
Preston Lewis
and Harriet Kocher Lewis
The intent of these books was to see how artificial intelligence (A.I.) dealt with the Bible and with humor. Since A.I. is generated by godless algorithms and computers, the authors sought to see if ChatGPT would treat faith issues with respect, especially in a world where Christianity is coming under increasing attacks and where the architects of A.I. seem to demean religion regularly. Additionally, the authors sought to see if A.I. had a sense of humor and if ChatGPT could generate rib-tickling jokes based on some standard comic memes and on topical and controversial issues in contemporary culture.
The results were surprising with A.I. generally being respectful of religious issues but failing to show a refined sense of humor. The books provide as much insight on artificial intelligence’s “thinking” as much as it does faith and comedy.


First, I want to take a moment to share with you my experience with AI. I actually just heard of ChatGPT this year. I knew AI excited and I knew there were different platforms, but I never really explored it until this year. I am a special education teacher and was introduced to it at work as a tool we could use to modify text for students so that it would read at their reading levels. Of course I instantly found this fascinating and had to try it out for myself. I was shocked by the results and of course thinking of all the possibilities this could present. And of course, I went even further to take a segment of my writing from a story I had been working on, I had it make it more “epic” just to see what it would do. It certainly made it more epic but in the end, I didn’t use it for my writing for several reasons. Though AI can be helpful, it does seem to lack a soul. 

Jokes From A Humorless Machine was written by Preston and Harriet Lewis. Their objective here was to test ChatGPT and to see if AI could have a sense of humor. It was very interesting to read about their results and the research they did to uncover more about the origin of the jokes. Preston and Harriet’s writing is very clear and enjoyable to read. They clearly explain what they are trying to attempt with their experiments and to see if AI could really have a sense a humor. Which, let’s be real, even Dad Jokes were better than some of the jokes AI came up with, but I still found myself chuckling! I actually really love Dad Jokes, and some of these jokes I felt aligned with those.

I almost want to test this myself and see what sort of jokes AI will come up with for me….

*Heads to ChatGPT and types in a request for a joke*

ChatGPT Responds:

Why did the scarecrow win an award?

Because he was outstanding in his field!


Maybe my writing prompts aren’t very good? Hmmm, let’s try another one…

*Makes another attempt*

Why don’t scientists trust atoms?

Because they make up everything!

*Scratches head*

Not sure I get that one.

Let’s do one more just for fun!

I told my computer I needed a break, and now it won’t stop sending me vacation ads. I guess it really took my request literally and decided I need a byte of relaxation!

Ha! 

I have to admit, I kind of think it’s funny and definitely alot of fun! 

Overall I am thoroughly entertained by ChatGPT. Sure, there might not be a “soul” to that AI, but some of the jokes I actually thought were funny. I like to call them knee slapper jokes. Though the jokes may not be the kind that make you really laugh out loud, it’s still amazing what AI can do and how it could be used as a tool for others. I really enjoyed seeing what Preston and Harriet were attempting to do and the results that the AI produced. I found myself invested and entertained as the authors explored the world of AI and what sort of jokes it had up its sleeve! I found their research fascinating and the real gold to this rainbow of work. Jokes From A Humorless Machine is definitely unlike anything I have read before! And it’s a read worth checking out! 

Preston Lewis is the award-winning author of more than 50 novels and nonfiction books as well as numerous articles, short stories and book reviews. He began his career working at four Texas newspapers before moving into higher education communications and marketing at Texas Tech University and Angelo State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University plus master’s degrees from Ohio State University in journalism and Angelo State in history. Lewis’s honors include two Spur Awards for western novels and articles from Western Writers of America as well as nine Will Rogers Medallion Awards for western humor, novels, short stories and articles. Harriet Kocher Lewis is a retired physical therapist and academician at Angelo State University, where she co-authored or edited numerous scientific articles or professional presentations. Her other writings include several published meditations for her church. As a member of an American Physical Therapy Association work group, she helped write the advanced level clinical education curriculum for therapists nationally. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology/PT at Baylor University as well as a PT certificate from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Lewis also has a master’s degree from Texas Tech University in health, physical education and recreation with an industrial engineering minor. She is the wife of Preston Lewis, the mother of two and the grandmother of five.
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The Real World According to Sam

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The Plain-Spoken Pen

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