---
title: What is a chatbot
description: "A **chatbot** is a software application used to conduct an online chat conversation via text or text-to-speech, in lieu of providing direct contact with a live human agent.^^ Designed to convincingly simulate the way a human would behave as a conversational partner. The term “ChatterBot” was…"
url: "https://support.bluspider.com/kb/what-is-a-chatbot/"
updated: "2024-08-09"
category: General
---

# What is a chatbot

A **chatbot** is a software application used to conduct an online chat conversation via text or text-to-speech, in lieu of providing direct contact with a live human agent.^^ Designed to convincingly simulate the way a human would behave as a conversational partner. The term “ChatterBot” was originally coined by [Michael Mauldin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Loren_Mauldin) in 1994 to describe these conversational programs.^

Chatbots are used in systems for a number of purposes including customer service, request routing, or information gathering.

Most chatbots are accessed online via website popups or through virtual assistants.

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Source: Wikipedia        TechTarget
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