Advertisement
Letters | In the race for the next AI chatbot, small companies have the opportunity to get ahead
- Readers discuss the challenges and opportunities with the rise of ChatGPT and other AI chatbots, how the Biden administration has fallen short, the positive changes to Hong Kong district councils, and why women should embrace ageing
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification.
Is the era of traditional search engines coming to an end? Will artificial intelligence-powered chatbots reshape the way we seek information online?
We have witnessed a surge in the use of AI chatbots like ChatGPT that not only are able to understand complex queries and provide concise answers but can also explain their reasoning and offer additional details. In many ways, chatbots have the potential to outperform search engines in terms of efficiency and accuracy.
Advertisement
Tech giants such as Microsoft, Google and Baidu are investing heavily in AI technology, racing to develop their own chatbots and integrate them into their existing search engines. However, as these chatbots become more mainstream, we must ask ourselves: can we trust them? And what does this mean for search engines and their ad-driven business models?
AI chatbots face numerous challenges, including potential bias, misinformation, and controversial content. Tech firms will need to navigate the delicate balance between censorship, objectivity and truth. As these companies strive to monetise their chatbots, questions surrounding advertising models and their impact on user trust will inevitably arise.
Advertisement
Despite the uncertainties, the emergence of AI chatbots presents an opportunity for smaller firms to compete with established tech giants. This competition may prompt innovation and create a more user-friendly online environment, reminiscent of the early days of search engines. Ultimately, the prize of becoming the new front door to the internet is up for grabs once again.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x