A bot is simply a computer program that automates certain tasks. In the case of a chatbot, the task being automated is a 1:1 conversation with a person. These bots can use sophisticated technology like artificial intelligence and natural-language processing. Alternatively, they can be as simple as a series of IF-THEN statements. Alexa is a type of chatbot. So is the Domino’s Pizza app. Today’s chatbots reply with text, yes, and with audio, video, images, GIFs, you name it. Even the mediums for chatbots have grown exponentially — you’ve likely experienced bots in chat apps like Messenger and WhatsApp as well as on many, many websites with the little button in the corner asking if you need any help.