Can a Computer Laugh ?

TL;DR

This paper explores the computational modeling of humor and laughter, elaborating on psychological aspects, information processing mechanisms, and evolutionary development of a sense of humor in machines.

Contribution

It presents a refined computer model of humor based on information processing malfunctions and discusses psychological and evolutionary perspectives.

Findings

A computer model linking humor to information processing errors

Elaboration of psychological aspects of humor

Discussion on evolution of humor in machines

Abstract

A computer model of "a sense of humour" suggested previously [arXiv:0711.2058,0711.2061], relating the humorous effect with a specific malfunction in information processing, is given in somewhat different exposition. Psychological aspects of humour are elaborated more thoroughly. The mechanism of laughter is formulated on the more general level. Detailed discussion is presented for the higher levels of information processing, which are responsible for a perception of complex samples of humour. Development of a sense of humour in the process of evolution is discussed.