Sam Lavin's SLOW LLM Chrome extension slows down chatbot responses, encouraging deeper engagement with AI tools while highlighting concerns about over-reliance on technology.
Sam Lavin, a New York artist, has developed a Google Chrome extension named SLOW LLM, designed to purposefully delay responses from popular chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude. This initiative was inspired by Lavin's observations of his students relying heavily on generative AI tools for everyday tasks.
The open-source extension operates by altering the JavaScript Fetch function that returns data to the browser rather than interacting directly with the chatbots' neural networks. When users submit a query to a chatbot, SLOW LLM significantly stretches the response time, creating a controlled environment where delays can promote deeper engagement.
Lavin expresses concerns over the increasing reliance on AI tools, stating, “Many people start using AI tools to outsource their cognitive and emotional functions... the more people rely on LLMs, the stronger the trend of skill loss will become.” He believes that the ease provided by chatbots diminishes the friction that aids in meaningful learning and creativity.
“Anything that eliminates the friction involved in solving complex problems hinders your learning and undermines the knowledge you’ve already gained,” he emphasized.
Currently, there are no reports of SLOW LLM being successfully implemented in educational or corporate networks. Lavin humorously remarked about testing the extension on unsuspecting users, implying it could lead to frustration among students.
Previously, Lavin has engaged in similar creative experiments, including the Zoom Escaper app during the pandemic, which added distracting noises to video calls. He has also collaborated with Tega Brain on various digital disruption tools. Despite his critical stance on AI reliance, Lavin admitted to using AI to help code SLOW LLM.
Analysts from ActivTrak have noted that, rather than simplifying tasks, AI currently complicates work processes, further emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement with these technologies.
