A wave of comedy in 2026 is focusing on the promises and perils of artificial intelligence (AI), with comedians and humorists using their craft to critique the technology's growing influence on society, the environment, and human interaction. This wave includes a range of formats, such as social media sketches, standup routines, songs, humor columns, comic strips, and even art installations. The comedy often highlights the dangers of blindly trusting AI, the potential threats to society, and the narrative that AI is both inevitable and essential, even though it can cause harm. According to a March Gallup poll, 79% of Americans believe AI will reduce jobs, while a recent CNN poll found that 81% of respondents are more concerned than excited about how AI could "fundamentally change our way of life." Public skepticism is also evident in other areas: only 11% of Americans would support the building of a data center locally, according to a study from UMass Amherst. Comedians are parodying the user experience of AI, pointing out the absurdity of AI-generated content and the flaws in AI products. For example, Ty Eveland humorously mocks AI doctors and HR professionals, showcasing the limitations of these systems. Aya Huseen and Tom Nestor use comedy to highlight how tech companies are trying to get users hooked on new AI features, often with desperate tactics. In the Atlantic, humorist Alexandra Petri recounts a dream in which everything in her life has been taken over by AI, from children's books to her breakfast cereal. Comedians such as Caleb Hearon have criticized the use of AI in artistic capacities, suggesting that those who rely on AI for creative work may not be taken seriously. A comic strip titled "AI Design Logic" humorously illustrates the absurdity of AI-generated content, while actor Ayo Edebiri's T-shirt, "Do not talk to me about AI. I will kill myself," highlights the frustration some people feel towards AI. Comedians are also targeting the language used in tech advertising, with Harris Alterman and Dave Ross creating subway posters that mock the inscrutable and insufferable language of tech ads. These posters, which feature fictional AI startups, were designed to highlight the absurdity of the tech industry's messaging. Alberta Devor, a former software engineer at Google, has used comedy to highlight concerns about overreliance on AI, suggesting that people should understand its limitations. She notes that comedy tends to find a more open audience and can help people engage with complex ideas. Other comedians, such as Cody Dahler and Charlie Behrens, have taken a more direct approach, condemning tech leaders and advocating for public awareness and action against the potential harms of AI. While it may be unrealistic to expect that comedy could topple a billion-dollar corporation, the collective power of humor can drive public discourse and questioning of AI's future.