Salman Rushdie warns that AI threatens humor in writing
- During the 2025 Hay Festival, Salman Rushdie addressed concerns about AI's impact on writing.
- He criticized AI for lacking a sense of humor and creativity.
- Rushdie believes the emergence of humor from AI would signify a troubling development for writers.
Salman Rushdie made a significant appearance at the 2025 Hay Festival, which was held in the UK. This marks his first major in-person event in the country since being violently attacked in New York during the summer of 2022. The incident left him with serious injuries, including blindness in one eye, after being stabbed about a dozen times. At the festival, Rushdie expressed his concerns regarding the role of artificial intelligence in literature, specifically in terms of humor and creativity. He emphasized that while AI may streamline processes and enhance efficiency, it lacks the essential human element needed to create jokes or genuinely engaging content. Rushdie's remarks reflect a broader discussion on the impact of AI on writing and creativity, especially as he continues to promote his work, including his latest short story collection titled