What is a chatbot?

A chatbot is an artificial intelligence program designed to simulate conversation with users through text or voice. They can be found on websites, messaging apps, and customer service platforms, providing instant responses and assistance. 

Chatbots use natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to user requests. They can handle various tasks, from simple FAQs to more complex interactions, such as booking appointments or providing product recommendations. 

These AI-driven tools can operate 24/7, offering instant support without the need for human intervention. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction, as users can get answers quickly. Many chatbots learn from interactions, improving their responses over time, which makes them even more effective.

However, while chatbots can handle many tasks, they still have limitations. They might struggle with complex questions or nuanced requests, leading to frustrating user experiences. The key is finding the right balance—using chatbots for straightforward queries while knowing when to involve human support for more complicated issues.