Ben Mangrum

Ben Mangrum, an MIT professor and author, explores the intersection of comedy and computing in his latest work, revealing how humor can address the anxieties of obsolescence faced by knowledge workers. He discusses how computers challenge traditional romantic dynamics, leading to queer interpretations of relationships. Delving into historical proto-robots and 19th-century minstrel performance, he highlights their influence on modern portrayals of technology. Mangrum also examines the authenticity dilemmas posed by AI-generated content in today’s media landscape.