Assisted Engagement

Jonas Hultenius

2023-04-28

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In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way we interact with technology. As I would guess that you are most aware unless that is you been living under a rock this whole time. If so, welcome back!

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we can now use technology to assist us in a variety of tasks, from simple reminders to complex data analysis. In the realm of user interaction and engagement on the web, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate with websites and online services. We are no longer just bound to the old ways of yesteryears. With a new toy comes new possibilities.

Assisted engagement is the term used to describe the use of AI to enhance user interaction and engagement on the web. It involves the use of AI-powered chatbots, voice assistants, and other automated tools to provide users with personalized (bespoke even), real-time support and guidance.

AI-powered chatbots are a great example of assisted engagement. Chatbots can act as virtual assistants that can interact with users in natural language.

They can (and will) help users with everything from finding products on an e-commerce website to troubleshooting issues with a software application. The need for searching for answers and then sifting through them has been replaced by one simple natural language input.

I want a purple bathroom matt that matches my dark gray tile floor for a maximum price of $20.

Second later there are a handful of suggested options fitting that description as well as other AI curated suggestions. Maybe I should buy new matching towels at the same time?

These chatbots can also be programmed to provide personalized recommendations based on a user’s browsing history and other data. So not only will it be prompted by the information I have provided. It will also take my whole history, and LinkedIn profile, into account. A personal shopper… for free.

Voice assistants are another example of assisted engagement. With the rise of smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home, users have been able to interact with websites and online services using voice commands for years. Voice assistants have helped users find information, make purchases, and even control smart home devices but with the introduction of a whole new level of complexity this assisted engagement will take on completely new roles. It’s a whole new ballgame.

AI-powered personalization is another aspect of assisted engagement. Personalization involves tailoring content and experiences to each individual user. With AI, websites and online services can analyze a user’s browsing history (or could, I’m doubtful that it should), search queries, and other data to provide personalized recommendations and experiences. This information can then be used to create a partly or completely bespoke experience for the end user base on their preferences. This will improve user engagement and loyalty, as users are more likely to stick around when they feel that a website or service understands their needs and preferences and directly speaks to them.

Assisted engagement has the potential to transform the way we interact with technology. It can make online experiences more personalized, convenient, and efficient. However, there are also concerns about the potential risks and challenges associated with the use of AI in user engagement and interaction.

One concern is the potential for bias in AI-powered systems. AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on. If the data used to train an AI system is biased, the system itself will be biased. This can lead to discrimination against certain groups of users, which can have serious consequences.

Another concern is the potential for AI-powered systems to be hacked or exploited. As AI systems become more advanced, they may become more susceptible to cyber attacks. If an AI-powered chatbot or voice assistant is hacked, it could potentially be used to steal sensitive user information or cause other types of harm. Or just be darn unpleasant.

To address these concerns, it is important to develop AI-powered systems that are transparent, ethical, and secure. This involves using diverse datasets to train AI systems, implementing robust security measures, and ensuring that AI systems are designed with user privacy and security in mind.

Assisted engagement has the potential to transform the way we interact with technology, making online experiences more personalized, convenient, and efficient. As AI continues to evolve, the possibilities are endless, and it will be fascinating to see how this technology develops in the coming years.