Human-Powered AI Parody Chatbot Goes Viral in San Francisco

Tucker Bryant, a 32-year-old San Francisco poet, conceptual artist, and keynote speaker, created ChatTJB.org, a parody AI chatbot where he personally responds to user queries. The project, launched in April, uses AI to build the site but is entirely human-operated, aiming to critique 'cognitive surrender' in the age of AI. Bryant's billboard near Sixth and Folsom streets in SoMa mimics AI advertisements, with an asterisk revealing that 'AI' stands for 'average individual.' After renting the billboard for $6,000 and posting on Instagram on Aug. 1, the site received up to 5,000 queries an hour, prompting Bryant to recruit volunteers like Jess McCallum, who answer questions in their spare time. The project has fostered genuine connections, including a honeymooner's query about relaxation, which Bryant answered with empathy. Bryant filters abusive queries and provides crisis resources, but would shut down if toxicity escalates. The project subverts AI parody by insisting on humanity, contrasting with New York artists Harris Alterman and Dave Ross's fake AI banners. McCallum notes the appeal lies in targeting people, not businesses. The Chronicle's test questions received no response from ChatTJB, highlighting the difference between human and AI interaction.