In order to communicate digitally, so-called chatbots are available on websites or in online shops. A chatbot is a text-based dialogue software with or without an avatar. Chatbots quickly provide information on certain topics, answer questions and quickly help with problems. For example, on the Business Service Portal, chatbot "Mona" answers certain questions.

Similar to a messenger service such as WhatsApp, the dialogue with a chatbot is carried out via text input in a chat window or online form. Many chatbots also allow you to communicate with integrated voice assistants on your smartphone or tablet.

A simple chatbot's function is based on a database that has stored speech recognition patterns and the appropriate responses. Newer chatbots learn to communicate more accurately from the data they collect the longer they are in use.

It is not possible for chatbots to imitate human emotions or decipher ambiguities. Nevertheless, there are also helpful chatbots for social tasks such as talk therapy for depression and support in cases of domestic violence.

Chatbots are also increasingly used for advertising purposes or for political opinion shaping on social media. Read more on how to recognise these so-called "social bots" and on what to watch out for.