How one chat bot totally changed my opinion of bots

A couple of weeks ago, together with Sorted MGMT and Hardwell, we launched a messenger bot. Why did we launch the messenger bot? Originally, it was because Sorted Management approached us and asked us to build one. We’re big fans of Hardwell in the WMAS crew, in fact Tom, is probably one of his biggest. So we naturally jumped at the chance.
I’ll admit it, I was a naysayer. – “What’s the point in chat bots?” – “You’re just duplicating the information anyway.” – “I can find the information from Hardwell’s website when I want it.” I don’t get it.
Correction… I didn’t get it. And that’s fine. I’m an adult, I’m 30 now. I’m not a “millennial”… Well according to Pew Research Center I am, thanks Pew…
I use Facebook. I use twitter. I occasionally dip into WhatsApp, and sure I use Messenger to stay in touch with friends.
I don’t use snapchat, well, I have an account. But I really don’t get it, and that’s fine, I don’t need to get it.
When I was a teenager, I used to use MSN Messenger, ALL THE RUDDY TIME. I also used to send *all* of the text messages. I don’t now. I’m old(er) and wiser / grumpier.
We launched the bot. We watched all the conversations happen in real time. People were using it! IN THEIR BUCKET LOAD. We know that kids don’t use Facebook in the same way as we use Facebook. We also have to realise they use tools in other ways too. Messenger apps… This is where these kids “live”.
| They do all of their communications in private.
Why is that? Because they’ve got sensible parents giving them sensible advice. They do all of their communications in “private”. (I’m not getting into a “Facebook own your data” debate).
We’ve started to compile a handy list of articles all around bots. What are chat bots and how do they work?.