How to use AI chat: Ask AI anything

AI chatbots have exploded in popularity in recent years. Powered by advances in artificial intelligence, chatbots can now hold natural conversations and assist us with a vast range of everyday tasks.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to get started using AI chat. You’ll learn the basics of how chatbots work, the most popular AI assistants you can chat with, the types of conversations they can handle, templates for common questions, limitations to be aware of, and tips to have your best chatbot experience.

What is AI Chat?

AI chat utilizes artificial intelligence to have conversations with users via text or voice. It powers chatbots, virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant as well as AI companions focused purely on conversation like chat.openai.com.

While earlier chatbots were limited to pre-programmed responses, modern AI chatbots utilize machine learning to understand context and respond appropriately to open-ended questions and conversations on thousands of topics just like a human.

How Do Chatbots Work?

AI chat tools work by processing the user’s inputted questions or statements then formulating the best response based on their advanced natural language understanding and generation capabilities.

Here’s a quick overview:

• The user inputs a statement or question via text or voice
• Natural language processing analyzes the input to understand meaning and context
• Algorithms search through available data sources to formulate a response
• Natural language generation composes a readable, grammatically correct response
• The chatbot outputs the generated text or speech response

Over many conversations, chatbots further train their language and response models to converse more naturally.

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Popular AI Chatbots You Can Use

There are now many free AI chat services available online. Here are 5 of the most popular:

chat.openai.com

Launched by OpenAI, this conversational AI trained on massive datasets can chat about nearly any topic and even admits when it doesn’t know something. It’s one of the most advanced chatbot services available.

Claude from Anthropic

Claude focuses on being helpful, harmless, and honest with conversations spanning current events, math, coding help and more. It aims to be safe for work conversations.

Alexa and Echo Devices

Amazon’s Alexa has helped popularize smart speakers and voice assistants. Alexa can chat casually, offer shopping recommendations, control smart home devices, set reminders and more.

Siri

Apple’s Siri is available across iPhones, iPads, Macs and HomePod devices. Siri helps with dictation, phone calls, music, news and basic Q&A plus controlling devices. Its capabilities are more limited than specialized chatbots.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant powers natural conversation for search queries, scheduling, navigation guidance, smart home control and more across Google’s ecosystem including on Android phones.

This just scratches the surface. There are now thousands of AI programs focused on specific topics like health advice, customer support, real estate searches and financial planning guidance.

Just Think AI

An AI chat with A Human Touch. Enhance your productivity with Just Think Chat, a user-friendly AI chatbot. Overcome writers block, generate ideas, revise content, or get answer effortlessly

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This just scratches the surface. There are now thousands of AI programs focused on specific topics like health advice, customer support, real estate searches and financial planning guidance.

What Can You Talk to Chatbots About?

The range of available topics and depth/breadth of conversations varies widely across chat services. Here are some examples of common uses:

Open Domain Question Answering

The most advanced models like OpenAI can discuss nearly any topic by searching the internet or generating a response. This includes:

• Definitions and factual questions
• Current events discussions
• Debating pros and cons of policies
• Analysis of creative works
• Advice about problems

Task-Focused Conversations

More focused chatbots are tailored to specific tasks like:

• Customer service inquiries
• Shopping recommendations
• Technical support
• Accessing account dashboards
• Scheduling meetings and calls
• Transit and navigation guidance
• Real estate search
• Investment guidance

Casual Dialogue

AI companions strive to make natural casual conversation akin to making a new friend, with remember key details about you.

Chatbot Conversation Templates and Examples

It can be hard to know what to ask when first chatting with an AI assistant. So here are some conversation starter examples and templates to help spark ideas across some common chatbot use cases:

Open Domain Question Answering

• What year did the first airplane fly?
• What's the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
• ELI5 how blockchain works
• Can you analyze the themes in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?

I’m wondering <your question>? Could you explain or analyze?

Shopping Recommendations

I’m looking for <type of product> under <price>. What do you recommend?

For example:

• I’m looking for over-ear headphones under $150. What do you recommend?
• I’m looking for thriller books from the past 5 years. Any recommendations?

Technical Support

I’m having an issue with <software/device> where <explain issue>. How can I fix this?

For example:

• I’m having an issue with my iPhone where the battery drains very fast. How can I fix this?
• I’m having an issue with Excel where it crashed and now won’t reopen. How can I fix this?

Transit Help

When does the next <bus/train> leave from <station name> to <destination>?

For example:

• When does the next bus leave from Union Station to Lakeview?
• When does the next Metra train leave from Ogilvie to Aurora?

Capabilities and Limitations to Be Aware Of

While AI chat continues to become more advanced, there are still some key limitations to be aware of:

• Factually incorrect - can state false information learned online as true
• Limited memory/context - won't necessarily remember key details and prior context
• May fail to admit lack of knowledge
• Lacks real world common sense
• Can exhibit harmful biases learned from human data
• Does not build a consistent personality or personal relationship

The technology is improving rapidly, but still has room to grow regarding reasoning, judgment and robust long-term dialogues.

For the best experience, stay inquisitive yet skeptical of responses when chatting.

Tips for the Best Chat Experience

Follow these tips to have the most productive and positive conversations:

• Ask follow-up questions - This helps the chatbot hone in on responding to the specifics you want to know more about.
• Rephrase for clarity - If a response seems off base, explain your question in different words.
• Avoid ambiguity - Be direct using clear language and specifics when possible.
• Check accuracy kindly - If you believe the chatbot has its facts wrong, politely ask for clarification or where it learned that information.
• Provide constructive feedback - Let the creators know of any inappropriate, nonsensical or factually dubious responses so they can continue improving.
• Enjoy unique perspectives - Some "errors" lead to humor or unexpected connections you wouldn't get from a human.

The future of AI chat promises more seamless helpful conversations accessible to all. We hope this beginner’s guide serves you in getting started! Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions.