In one sentence: A chatbot is a computer program you can talk to by typing or speaking, and it answers in plain sentences.
Why it matters: Many chatbots now use a large language model, a kind of AI (artificial intelligence). What you type may be stored by the company and used to develop its service. Scammers can also put chatbots on fake websites, says the US FBI.
One thing to do: Do not type passwords, bank details or other private information into a chatbot.
Related terms: generative AI, large language model, prompt
Checked: 25 Oct 2026.
