Can AI joke about ALS? No, it says, that would be wrong.

Having ALS is certainly no laughing matter. But I’ve found over the years that it can give rise to many humorous moments. On some days, in fact, finding the funny while in a frustrating situation has been one of my best coping strategies.

That’s why I was taken aback to come across someone — well, more of a something — that didn’t agree with my point of view. The encounter threw me a mental curveball. In the end, however, it further cemented my resolve to let my ALS sense of humor lead the way.

Here’s what happened. Last week, my husband and I were having fun quizzing the artificial intelligence (AI) app on my computer with a variety of oddball trivia questions. On a whim, I asked it to write a short, funny limerick about having ALS.

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The AI responded with a simple “No,” along with the explanation that it couldn’t create humorous content about a serious and sensitive topic like ALS. Furthermore, making light of this debilitating disease could be hurtful and disrespectful to those who have it, as well as their loved ones.

Wait, what? I make fun of my ALS all the time.

At first, I felt as if I were a second grader on the school playground being scolded for teasing a classmate. Was I in the wrong? Did this AI possess higher ethics and moral values than I do? What made us different in respect to finding humor in having ALS?

Then it dawned on me: This lack of a reply was an example of the many reports I’ve been reading about the pros and cons of AI. Yes, it can solve complex equations and summarize data and information found on the internet. But it lacks emotion, empathy, and the human experience of life. It’s a software program, without a sense of humor. And that’s OK with me.

How I use AI

I’ll admit to using AI apps to check the grammar and punctuation of my columns before I turn them in. But I’ll never rely on it to do the writing for me. Because oh boy, do I have stories to tell, and they’re sprinkled liberally with humor. Here are a few of my favorites:

“Sharing My ALS Clinic Chuckles,” where I describe my ALS clinic as a combination of speed dating mixed with “American Ninja Warrior” auditions. In the column “Living Loudly and Laughing with Dysarthria,” I share several funny miscommunication episodes I’ve had with friends and strangers. Finally, there’s “Laugh on Down the Road,” where I write about my challenges and woes when traveling.

Even though I know I have to live with ALS for the rest of my life, I take pride in being able to share my experiences with others — to motivate, inspire, and share a funny moment. Let’s share a laugh as we learn to live well while living with ALS.

Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.