Is a chatbot AI?
Not every chatbot is AI. Rule-based chatbots follow scripted decision trees and keyword matches, so they are automation rather than artificial intelligence. AI chatbots use natural language processing and large language models to understand free-form messages and generate replies, and AI agents go further by taking actions in other systems.
Three levels
How to tell
If a bot only works when you click buttons or use exact phrases, it’s rule-based. If it understands rephrased questions and follows context, it uses AI.
