What is a chatbot and what are its uses? Today’s world has become digital. Whether we have to do online shopping, talk to a company or get any information immediately, technology helps us everywhere. One of these technologies is chatbot. You must have seen a message like “Hello! How may I help you?” on a website many times. This is not a human but a chatbot.
So let’s know what a chatbot is, what are its benefits, where is it used and how it can change our lives in the future.
What is a chatbot?
A chatbot is a computer program that can converse like humans. It is made by combining “Chat + Bot”, meaning a talking robot.
These chatbots can talk both in text and voice. The technology of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) works behind them.
Types of Chatbots
- Rule-based Chatbots
These chatbots follow pre-defined question-answer rules. For example, if you ask, “When will the delivery be?”, it will give the same pre-written answer. But if you ask the question in a different way, it will not be able to answer.
- AI-based Chatbots
These are smarter. They understand questions using NLP (Natural Language Processing) and Machine Learning. Even if you ask the question in a different way, it will try to give the correct answer.
Example: Chatbots like ChatGPT or Google Bard.
Benefits of Chatbots
- 24/7 availability
Humans get tired, but chatbots never get tired. They work 24 hours a day.
- Saving time and cost
A chatbot can talk to hundreds of customers simultaneously. This saves companies from the need to keep more staff.
- Improved customer experience
Chatbots respond immediately. Customers do not have to wait.
- Language understanding
Today’s chatbots can converse in many languages.
- Data analysis
They collect data of customer questions and tell the company what people are asking the most.
- Scalability
Whether there are 100 people or 1 lakh people, chatbots can handle everyone simultaneously.
Where are chatbots used?
- Customer service
E-commerce, banks, airlines – all use chatbots to respond to customers instantly.
- Marketing and sales
Chatbots increase sales by showing personalized offers to the customer.
- Healthcare
Chatbots help in booking appointments, providing information about medicines and giving initial advice.
- Education
Students can easily get information about courses, timetables and admissions from chatbots.
- Entertainment
Chatbots are also used for quizzes, games and fun chats.
- Government services
Many governments are using chatbots to listen to citizens’ complaints and respond immediately.
How does a chatbot work?
Rule-based chatbots
Questions and answers are entered in them beforehand. If the question matches the database, the answer will be received.
AI-based chatbots
These understand questions with the help of NLP and Machine Learning and improve themselves over time.
Precautions related to chatbots
Never share your bank details or passwords with a chatbot.
If the chatbot gives wrong information, always cross-check it.
Conclusion
Chatbots have become a necessity in today’s world. They are very helpful not only for business but also for common people. They save time and money, and the customer gets immediate help.
In the future, they will become even smarter and will be seen in every area of our life. But a little caution is necessary while using them.