What chatbots are

Chatbots can answer questions, explain ideas and help you write. Let's meet them. A chatbot is an A I program you can chat with, by typing or speaking in normal language. You ask a question or give an instruction, and it writes a reply.

Popular chatbots

ChatGPT, made by a company called OpenAI. Gemini, made by Google. Claude, made by a company called Anthropic. And Meta A I, which appears inside WhatsApp and Instagram in many countries. Here's what a conversation looks like. You type a question, like, what is photosynthesis? Explain it simply. The chatbot writes a clear answer, in seconds. You can ask a follow up question, and it remembers what you were talking about.

Good at, and be careful with

Chatbots are good at explaining ideas simply, brainstorming, and helping you draft and improve your writing. Be careful with facts, dates and numbers, with health, legal or money advice, and with very recent news. They can be wrong or out of date. Most chatbots have age rules. Many require you to be at least 13, and some require you to be 18. Check the rules before you sign up. If you're younger, you can still learn everything in this course, using the practice tools on the lesson pages.

Quick check

Quick check. What is a chatbot? An A I program you can chat with, in normal language. Options: An AI program you can chat with in normal language; A robot that cleans; A type of SIM card; A person typing very fast.

Recap

Chatbots answer you in plain language. Popular ones include ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Meta A I. They're great for explaining and brainstorming. Be careful with facts, health, money and news. And check the age rules before you sign up.

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