8bit-GPT: Exploring Human-AI Interaction on Obsolete Macintosh Operating Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces 8bit-GPT, a language model on obsolete Macintosh OS, to provoke reflection on human-AI interaction and challenge the typical efficiency and anthropomorphism in chatbot design.

Contribution

It presents a novel approach of using a legacy system to defamiliarize AI interfaces and encourage critical reflection on AI's role and design.

Findings

Fosters reflection on AI's societal impact

Highlights importance of design choices in AI interaction

Demonstrates feasibility of running language models on legacy systems

Abstract

The proliferation of assistive chatbots offering efficient, personalized communication has driven widespread over-reliance on them for decision-making, information-seeking and everyday tasks. This dependence was found to have adverse consequences on information retention as well as lead to superficial emotional attachment. As such, this work introduces 8bit-GPT; a language model simulated on a legacy Macintosh Operating System, to evoke reflection on the nature of Human-AI interaction and the consequences of anthropomorphic rhetoric. Drawing on reflective design principles such as slow-technology and counterfunctionality, this work aims to foreground the presence of chatbots as a tool by defamiliarizing the interface and prioritizing inefficient interaction, creating a friction between the familiar and not.