‘Mobiles have stolen kids childhoods’: Ben Elton on how phones are ruining our brains

British comedian Ben Elton reveals all about growing old, being terrified of AI and why phones are making us stupider.

Ben Elton.

Ahead of his national tour, British comedian Ben Elton reveals all about growing old, AI and everything in between.

Authentic Stupidity examines the modern world, the good, the bad and the stupid … are we getting smarter or stupider?

The terrible irony is that the very fruits of human genius, ie the technology we produce, are actually making us thick. In an age that’s obsessed with the importance of personal identity and individual agency we’ve actually abdicated our cognitive responsibilities to our mobile phones. We used to be able to read maps now we can’t find our way from the bedroom to the bathroom without sat nav.

What do you think about AI?

I’m terrified. Mobile phones have stolen kids’ childhoods, what’s AI going to steal? Everything it seems. Our very purpose in life, creative, functional. People say, “Oh, but it might cure cancer” well personally if my life is devoid of meaning I’d rather be f —king dead. Look I’m not a Luddite, I know we can’t go back, it’s here and somehow we must learn to live with it but can we at least get Big Tech to pay some tax?

You’re 65, what’s the best thing about growing older?

I don’t really think about age either way. I try to stay healthy but not to the extent of giving up booze. I think it’s mad the health establishment obsesses over longevity of life rather than the fun of life. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow (or quite soon anyway) we die! I’ve always enjoyed being alive and I still do.

And the worst?

Watching people you love succumb to dementia. Also worrying about succumbing to dementia.

Ben Elton ahead of his national tour.

Most memorable gig? For me as a performer? Probably introducing Nelson Mandela at Wembley Stadium. For me as a punter? Lots to choose from but I’ll say Prince’s piano tour just before he died.

Touring is a marathon, what’s in your rider these days? I’m afraid it’s really just a kettle, skim milk and tea bags. It’s many, many years since I had booze in the dressing room. I love it but reserve it till I can properly relax.

You co-wrote The Young Ones, and Blackadder and we think of you as quintessentially British. But you reside in Australia. Are you torn between the two?

Our family home is certainly in Freo these days. But two of our kids are working in the UK and most of my work is in the UK so I kind of live in both countries. I feel both Australian and British which is a real privilege.

What’s the difference between British and Australian humour?

Nothing. People are people the world over. Of course there are cultural differences but that really boils down to not calling Vegemite Marmite. Sorry, but all this “oh, the Aussies are so dry and laconic and the Brits are uptight and ironic” or whatever, is bollocks. Good comedy is about finding the funny in our shared humanity and that’s a global phenomenon.

Ben Elton’s Authentic Stupidity, Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, April 1 and 2; and HOTA Gold Coast, April 4.

ticketmaster.com.au

Originally published as ‘Mobiles have stolen kids childhoods’: Ben Elton on how phones are ruining our brains