AI Steals Jokes from Comics on Social Media

Comics are accusing a popular AI of stealing their jokes word for word and using them to boost its OnlyFans page.

The claims surfaced when comic George Brett Olson posted a video detailing how an AI Instagram account, with over 300,000 followers, had seemingly copied his routine without permission. The AI's avatar was remarkably realistic, featuring a female character that closely resembled Olson in appearance and attire, including the same venue background.

Olson's joke, which he claimed was stolen by the AI, ironically focused on the threat of AI to jobs and the involvement of billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg. This unexpected twist has left many in the comedy community stunned.

The AI, which also has an OnlyFans page, is one of several "sexy" AI comedians that have been generating significant views on social media.

Stand-up comedian Julia Jasunas has been highlighting a concerning trend on social media, where AI-generated comedians are stealing jokes from real-life performers and using them to promote their own OnlyFans pages.

Jasunas recently shared a side-by-side comparison of one such AI account with 250,000 followers and her original joke, pointing out the exact wording and even a random aside that she had made during a performance. The AI-generated comic's joke was almost identical to hers, complete with a reference to Lara Croft in Daisy Duke shorts.

The issue is not isolated to Jasunas alone, as UK comedy news site Chortle discovered multiple examples of stolen jokes on the same AI account. Comics such as Char Ramtin, Olivia Carter, and Hannah Berner have also had their content ripped off by the AI-generated comedian.

Jasunas expressed her concern that these AI bots are not only stealing from real comedians but also using scantily clad AI-generated women to perform the stolen jokes. This tactic is then used to generate profit from views and engagement, with the ultimate goal of directing fans towards an OnlyFans account for additional revenue.

The situation has sparked debate about the ethics of AI-generated content, particularly in the context of comedy and entertainment. As Jasunas pointed out, it's not just a matter of intellectual property theft but also a reflection of societal issues, such as the objectification of women and the exploitation of fans.

Meta's handling of original content has come under fire from comic creators who claim their work is being stolen by AI fakes to push OnlyFans pages.

The issue extends beyond Meta's platforms, with similar concerns raised on other social media sites such as YouTube and Tiktok. The proliferation of AI-generated content that mimics human creativity has left many wondering how to distinguish between authentic and fake material.

In a statement, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri acknowledged the challenges of policing AI content but emphasized the company's commitment to promoting original creators. He noted that while some AI-generated content may not be inherently malicious, it can still cause problems when it involves wholesale copying of existing work.

Mosseri hinted at exploring potential solutions with his team, suggesting that Meta could take steps to address the issue if an AI creator is found to be ripping off content without permission. However, he also highlighted the difficulties in identifying and distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate AI-generated material.

As the debate around AI-generated content continues, comic creators are increasingly frustrated by the lack of support from social media platforms like Meta. They argue that the platform's failure to address the issue reflects a broader societal problem, with some accusing Meta of exacerbating issues such as objectification and exploitation.

Comics are advising fans to support their work by attending live shows rather than watching pre-recorded clips online. Jasunas emphasizes that comedians post stand-up clips on social media to promote their live performances, not as a substitute for them.

These videos are meant to be experienced in person, where the nuances and energy of the performance can be fully appreciated. If viewers are watching these AI-generated clips without realizing they're being served rehearsed jokes, they should consider taking a step back and attending a live comedy show instead.