Name Your Computer Day: 10 ways to celebrate in the age of AI

Name Your Computer Day is a quirky and fun holiday that allows everyone to bring some personality to their devices.

Electives team

Published on

Oct 25, 2024

A woman is looking directly at the camera over the top of her laptop. She is wearing glasses and there is a notebook on the table next to her computer.

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What is Name Your Computer Day?

Name Your Computer Day is a quirky and fun holiday that allows everyone to bring some personality to their devices. And in today’s world of advanced AI, this celebration has become even more relevant.

Computers are no longer just machines — they’re our collaborators, problem-solvers and sources of inspiration. Technology feels more human than ever with tools like ChatGPT and other AI assistants at our sides.

In the age of AI, our computers can interact with us in such personalized ways that naming them makes perfect sense.

When is Name Your Computer Day?

Name Your Computer Day is celebrated on November 20th.

Why AI makes naming your computer more relevant than ever

AI isn’t just about crunching numbers or automating routine tasks anymore. Today’s artificial intelligence engages us in conversations, helps with creative tasks and even learns from our preferences. AI adapts to how we work and think.

Many AI systems are already named — think of Siri, Alexa or Cortana. By naming AI, we make interactions feel more natural, like talking to a helpful colleague rather than a machine. Similarly, a growing trend in companies is creating custom AI tools, like “Ella the Expert” or “Mary the Mentor,” which embody the company’s mission and values.

As we embrace this AI transformation, it’s the perfect time to encourage your team to think of their computers (and the AI they work with) in a new, more personal way.

Here’s a fun list of ideas to bring Name Your Computer Day to life at work while recognizing the power of AI.

10 fun ways to celebrate Name Your Computer Day at work

1. Host a computer-naming contest

Encourage everyone on your team to come up with creative names for their computers or the AI tools they use regularly. Make it fun with categories like most creative name, funniest name or“best name inspired by a famous character. Hold a quick voting session at the end of the day to award prizes.

2. Personalized computer nameplates

Design nameplates or stickers for employees to place on their laptops or desktops. A physical reminder of their computer’s new personality will make the day memorable and might even spark some team conversations.

3. Launch an official AI training program

Celebrate the future by taking this day to introduce or expand an AI training program. AI training is not a one-and-done initiative, but Name Your Computer Day is a perfect day to start teaching your employees how to effectively use AI tools for tasks such as project management, research or data analysis.

4. AI-assisted naming ceremonies

Take things up a notch using artificial intelligence to help suggest names. Have employees describe their relationships with their computers or what they use their computers for, and let AI generate a few clever name options. Sharing these AI-generated names in a group setting can be a great icebreaker.

5. Storytelling: The life of your computer

Ask employees to write a fun, short bio or backstory for their computer. Maybe their laptop is secretly a world-class spy, their desktop is a famous chef or their custom GPT is an award-winning mathematician. Have everyone share their stories at a virtual or in-person meeting for a good laugh.

6. Customized AI avatars

If your company uses AI-powered avatars or digital assistants, let employees customize them and give them fun names. This personalization makes AI tools feel more relatable and engaging.

7. Computer costume contest

In the spirit of fun, host a computer costume contest! Employees can dress up their laptops or monitors with quirky accessories. Whether it’s a top hat, bowtie or a superhero cape, this activity brings creative flair to the office.

8. Throw a virtual 'meet your AI' party

If your organization uses AI systems regularly, this is the perfect day to formally “introduce” them. Host a virtual or in-person meet-and-greet with your AI assistants, where employees can learn more about how the AI tools work, their capabilities and how they can better integrate into daily workflows to boost productivity.

9. Team challenge: AI vs. humans

Organize a fun challenge where your team pits its skills against AI. For example, can ChatGPT draft a more compelling email than a team member? Can AI brainstorm more innovative ideas? Who is best at 1990s boy band trivia? It’s a playful way to show the strengths of AI while engaging employees.

10. Create a computer name wall

Dedicate a physical or virtual space for everyone to share their new computer or AI assistant names. Employees can post photos of their machines, their names and maybe short descriptions or fun facts. This will be a great visual reminder of the creativity in your team and how integral computers (and AI) are to your daily work.

Embracing the fun + the future of AI

Name Your Computer Day is the perfect opportunity to humanize the tech we rely on, reduce fear of the AI transformation and make the workday more fun. By giving our computers names – and recognizing the intelligence behind them – we create stronger connections with the technology that drives productivity and innovation.

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