No debate about it, chat has become the go-to method of communication. From casual conversations with friends to attempting customer support, chat is literally everywhere. And let’s be honest: the idea of picking up the phone to make a call is becoming less popular and a source of anxiety for more than people want to admit. According to a survey by BankMyCell, 81% of millennials experience anxiety before making a call, and 76% avoid calls because they feel too intrusive. So, over 3.5 billion people (!!!) use messaging apps monthly, making it the preferred method of communication for many and it’s likely to only increase when texting is no longer just with humans or even AI but literally objects like cars that need to tell you what’s wrong with them without having special tools - imagine how wild the future will be when you can literally text almost anything (more on this in a later post).
So why aren't we already in love with chatbots of the past? Lots of things but here are some of the greatest hits:
Inappropriate or Offensive Conversations: One notorious example involved a chatbot from the parcel delivery firm DPD, which not only failed to provide helpful information but also engaged in inappropriate conversations. This bot went so far as to produce poems criticizing the company and even used offensive language. Such incidents emphasize the importance of programming chatbots to handle unexpected inputs appropriately, ensuring they don’t engage in or propagate inappropriate behavior .
Failing to Understand Basic Queries: Many early chatbots struggled with understanding even simple user inputs. For instance, Poncho, a weather bot, was unable to interpret general terms like “weekend,” even though it could respond to specific days like “Saturday” or “Sunday.” This highlighted how early bots required highly specific input, failing to handle natural variations in human language.
Lack of Contextual Awareness: Another common failure was the inability to maintain context throughout a conversation. Users often found themselves stuck in repetitive loops or reaching conversational dead ends where the bot couldn’t process their requests further. For example, a Chevy dealership’s bot once mistakenly offered a new car for just one dollar, demonstrating how poor programming and lack of oversight could lead to absurd outcomes .
So, here’s the reality: not all chat experiences are created equal. If you’ve ever thrown your phone across the room because a legacy chatbot couldn’t answer a simple question, you know what I’m talking about.
But, just because your ex-chatbot was a disaster doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a lifetime of one-sided conversations.
Today’s chat experiences powered by AI are smarter, more intuitive, and, candidly, a lot more fun to chat with. So, let’s explore why it’s time to let go of your past chatbot traumas and embrace a more fulfilling AI relationship.
The Chatbot Craze: From Zero to Hero to Zero to Hopefully a real (AI) Hero…
Chat apps like WhatsApp, Facebook (meta?) Messenger, and Slack has reshaped most people’s daily lives and their expectations for a (brand) relationship. Over 8 billion messages are exchanged daily on Facebook Messenger alone, according to Statista. It’s quick, convenient, and informal—perfect for our fast-paced lives.
Businesses and organizations saw an opportunity: automate customer service, sales, or even internal communications with chatbots. The idea was simple: use “AI” to handle the grunt work of answering repetitive questions and processing requests. So, they unleashed a wave of chatbots onto unsuspecting users. At first, it seemed like a brilliant solution. But then the conversations started, and things quickly went downhill - it turns out that AI is not telepathic and requires management - who knew (narrator: everyone, literally everyone)?.
The Rise of the Cringey Chatbot: A Relationship Gone Wrong
Let’s take a trip back down memory lane to the not-so-glamorous days of early chatbots. Remember trying to book a hotel room online and ending up in a 20-minute exchange with a chatbot that was convinced you wanted to know about the weather in Cleveland, OH? Or how about the time you needed help changing your account details, only to find yourself stuck in a loop of “Sorry, I didn’t understand that. Can you rephrase?” It was as if these chatbots were purposely designed to push your limits in mental health.
These early chatbots, or “legacy” chatbots, were like the over-eager interns of the digital world—well-meaning but often clueless. They lacked the ability to understand context, couldn’t handle even the slightest deviation from their script, and often left users more frustrated than before. If you asked them a simple question like, “What time does the store close?” you might end up with a response about their return policy. If you weren’t already pulling your hair out, a few rounds with a legacy chatbot would certainly do the trick.
Why Today’s AI is the both the hero we want and need
You don’t have to stay in that bad chatbot relationship forever. Enter modern AI, the more mature, intelligent partner you’ve been waiting for. Unlike legacy chatbots, modern AI doesn’t just look for keywords—it understands context. This means you can have a conversation without carefully choosing your words like, you know, a normal conversation.
Today’s AI knows the difference between “I need a break” (meaning time off work) and “I need a break” (meaning a Kit-Kat bar). It’s like chatting with someone who actually gets you, instead of talking to a parrot that only knows how to say, “Would you like to know more?” or staring at you like the harvester of your soul, I mean email.
And let’s talk about adaptability. Unlike their rigid predecessors, today’s AI systems learn from each interaction. They evolve and get better over time. If they don’t know something, they can find out. If they misunderstand, they learn from the mistake. It’s like having a partner who listens, understands, and remembers, rather than one who thinks “pineapple” is the answer to everything.
Modern AI can even mimic human interaction in ways old chatbots could only dream of. They can make jokes, show empathy, and engage in small talk. This doesn’t just make them more effective—it makes them more enjoyable to interact with. Imagine having a customer support interaction where you walk away feeling heard and satisfied, rather than just relieved it’s over.
Not only do they listen, they observe. The ability to analyze vast amounts of data means today’s AI can provide personalized responses in real or near-time. Whether you’re asking about a product, seeking customer support, or just trying to have a friendly chat, today’s AI can tailor its responses to suit your specific needs and preferences. It’s like having a conversation with someone who not only listens but also understands where you’re coming from.
The Proof is in the Chat
Is it time for a new (AI) chatbot relationship?
Don’t let your past chatbot experiences hold you back. Embrace the future of chat with AI that truly understands you. Today’s AI is more like a trusted partner than a clunky automaton. It listens, learns, and makes your life easier. Whether you’re looking for customer support, information, or just a friendly chat, modern AI is ready to take the relationship to the next level.
It’s not just a conversation; it’s a connection. And trust me, this one won’t end with you throwing your phone across the room. Ready for a coffee date? Swipe right on the AI you can find at www.SkillBuilder.io and see where it goes.
