Laughter AI
Study by Mary Ogbuka Kenneth (PhD candidate)
Algorithmic Human Development Group, Imperial College London
Study by Mary Ogbuka Kenneth (PhD candidate)
Algorithmic Human Development Group, Imperial College London
Welcome to Laughter AI, a PhD student project in the Algorithmic Human Development Group at Imperial College, London. Here, we're on a mission to explore the connection between laughter, mental health, and the power of artificial intelligence. In a world facing growing mental health concerns, we believe that understanding humour can be a key to improving well-being.
Laughter is more than just a response to something funny; it's a potential remedy for stress, depression, and anxiety. Inspired by the idea that laughter can be a mental health intervention, our project investigates into the diverse ways people laugh and how it affects their well-being.
Given the different ways in which humour is perceived by individuals, research has identified four main humour styles: the good-for-you types, called self-enhancing and affiliative, which promote personal well-being and social bonding, and the not-so-great ones, known as aggressive and self-deprecating, which involve hurtful or self-disparaging humour. At Laughter AI, we are interested in exploring how these different humour styles impact mental health.
We are not just studying humour and laughter; we are using the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and recognise different humour styles. Imagine a computer that can get jokes and understand laughter just like humans do—that is what we are working towards.
Our goal is simple yet profound: to create an AI system that recognises the types of jokes people make and understands what makes them feel good. This isn't just about technology; it's about making a positive impact on mental health.
Join us as we unravel the mysteries of humour, explore its connection to well-being, and use technology to make a difference. Laughter AI is not just a project; it's a journey towards a happier and healthier future.