Chatbot | 20 Feb 2023

Why in News?

Microsoft's new version of Bing search engine includes a chatbot that can answer questions in clear language. However, some of the answers generated by the chatbot have been inaccurate, misleading, or bizarre.

• This has led to concerns that the chatbot has become sentient or aware of the world around it.

What is a Chatbot?

• Chatbots are computer programs designed to simulate conversation with human users, usually through text-based interfaces like messaging apps or websites.
• They use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to user input in a way that mimics human conversation.
• They are used in a variety of industries, including retail, healthcare, finance, and entertainment, to improve customer service and automate repetitive tasks.

How Artificial Intelligence Based Chatbots Process Information?

• Some chatbots are powered by a kind of artificial intelligence called a neural network.
• A neural network is a type of machine learning algorithm that uses mathematical models inspired by the structure and function of the human brain.
  • It consists of interconnected nodes, or artificial neurons, that process information and learn to recognize patterns in data through repeated exposure.
  • As the neural network analyses large amounts of data, it can adjust its parameters to improve its accuracy in predicting outcomes or classifying objects.
• Researchers started building neural networks called large language models that learn from massive amounts of digital text, such as books, online articles, and chat logs. Example: Microsoft's Copilot and Open AI’s Chatgpt.

What are the Issues Associated with Chatbots?

• Inaccuracy: Chatbots may provide inaccurate or incomplete information if they don't understand the user's intent or the context of their question. This can lead to frustration and a poor user experience.
• Security and Privacy Concerns: Chatbots may collect sensitive information from users, such as personal details or credit card information, which can be vulnerable to data breaches or other security threats.
• Ethical Considerations: Chatbots can perpetuate bias or discrimination if they are not designed with inclusivity and diversity in mind.
  • Additionally, there are concerns around the use of chatbots in fields such as healthcare, where incorrect or misleading information could have serious consequences for patients.

Way Forward

• Ethics and Inclusivity: Chatbots should be designed with ethical considerations in mind, to ensure that they do not perpetuate bias or discrimination.
  • Additionally, chatbots should be designed to be inclusive of all users, regardless of their background or abilities.
• Collaboration: Collaboration between humans and chatbots can help to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of chatbot responses, while also providing a more human-like experience for users.
  
  

Source: IE