February 13, 2023

POC-Led AI Chatbot Lets Users Chat To Legendary Historical Figures

If you could say anything to your favorite historical figure, what would you say? A new AI chatbot, Historical Figures, allows users to go back in time and speak to their favorite icons. 

The Historical Figures app, designed by Sidhant Chadda, is an artificial intelligence chatbox that allows users to travel back in time to speak to some of their favorite historical figures. 

The AI chatbot – which outlets have described as the ‘platform that lets famous dead people like to you’ – has taken social media by storm. After just being made available at the start of the year, hundreds of users have already downloaded it. 

“With this app, you can chat with deceased individuals who have made a significant impact on history, from ancient rulers and philosophers to modern-day politicians and artists,” Chadda said

Through the app, users can have casual conversations with iconic figures, including The Beatles, Biggie Smalls, and Tupac Shakur, using AI-powered software. 

Although many have gravitated to using the app, it has sparked controversy due to the platform allowing others to speak to notoriously bigoted figures like Hitler. 

“Having pretend conversations with Hitler is deeply disturbing and will provide fodder for bigots,” said Yael Eisenstat, the vice present of the ADL’s Centre, in an interview with NBC

In response to the criticism, Chadda has decided to work on improving the app to make it a valuable educational tool to help students.  

Kumba Kpakima

Kumba Kpakima is a reporter at POCIT. A documentary about the knife crime epidemic in the UK got her a nomination for the UK's #30toWatch Young Journalists of the Year.