Chatbots as digital support: Discover the future of communication!

Chatbots as digital support: Discover the future of communication!

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and especially chatbots in society is increasing. A current podcast entitled “Creativity & AI”, episode 61, presents exciting insights into the role of chatbots in the everyday lives of young adults. Host Kristina Bodrožić-Brnić speaks with Prof. Dr. Susan Hinterding on an in-depth study conducted with 78 young adults. The study identifies various functions that chatbots perform today. Particularly noteworthy are their roles as patient helpers in completing tasks and as comforting “mommy-to-go”, which reflects a remarkable emotional component of digital interaction.

The project, in collaboration with Nicole Hanisch from Innersense and the BSP Business & Law School, was initiated as part of the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Zukunftskultur, which supports small and medium-sized companies in digitization and the use of AI. The study aims to provide inspiration for actively shaping the culture of the future, especially in seminars, final papers and project work on the topics of AI, communication and psychology.

Chatbots in everyday life

Chatbots are programs that simulate conversations with users. According to Pictibe, AI chatbots enable easy interaction across online channels and can be integrated into websites, blogs and shops in different languages. They help users find products and select services, thereby speeding up ordering processes. The greatest strength of chatbots lies in their efficiency: they provide instant answers to frequently asked questions and support bookings, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.

The different types of chatbots range from standalone software solutions, such as OpenAI's GPT-4, to tools embedded directly on websites. These technologies use complex algorithms to process human language. Future developments could improve the integration of AI chatbots into different industries and provide customization that significantly enriches the user experience.

Ethical considerations

The German Ethics Council has examined the effects of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on human self-image, highlighting key concepts such as intelligence, reason and responsibility. A key issue is the question of whether the use of AI expands or diminishes human authorship. This discussion is particularly relevant when thinking about the role of chatbots and their impact on human interactions.

The analysis of the social effects of the digital penetration of our living environment shows that the integration of AI in areas such as medical care, education and public administration is of great importance. The Ethics Council is examining examples of how AI can promote or jeopardize responsible behavior, which should not be neglected in an increasingly digitalized society.

The podcast and the underlying research not only offer an insight into the current use of chatbots, but also call for critical reflection on the future of our interactions with artificial participants. The full podcast episode is on the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum website here to find.