Is there such a thing as artificial intelligence? Could you definitely tell if it was a person or a computer that was replying to your short messages?
Try our two selected chatbots. These are computer programmes designed to seem like a person having a conversation.
First try Eliza. This is one of the oldest computer programs to hold a conversation, written in the mid-1960s. It acts like a psychotherapist, echoing your statements back to you. It's quite easy to mess up, but if you play the game and don't try to be too clever, it is surprisingly good. Eliza will probably first respond by repeatedly saying 'Undefined' - don't worry, this just means she's got a bit of a headache.
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Then take a look at ChatGPT. This is one of the best modern chatbots which uses generative AI not only to hold a convincing conversation but also to be able to everything from write a short story to a poem in any style.
How did you do?
Eliza is a bit of an antique, dating back to the mid-1960s, but modern chatbots like ChatGPT are finding many uses. Other generative AI chatbots include Google's Bard and the system incorporated into Microsoft's Bing search engine.
This version of Eliza by George Dunlop.
