The best AI chatbots of 2026: I tested ChatGPT, Copilot, and others to find the top tools around

I pushed eight free AI chatbots to their limits to find the best AI chatbots of 2026. To explore our top picks, check out ZDNET's chatbot-by-chatbot guide.
Hosted on MSN

Chatbots are on the rise, but customers still trust human agents more

Customers contact companies regularly to purchase products and services, inquire about orders, make payments and request returns. Until recently, the most common way for customers to contact companies ...
SiliconANGLE

Report: Meta is developing chatbots that will send unsolicited messages to users

Meta Platforms Inc. is working on more proactive chatbots that can send friendly yet unsolicited follow-up messages to users on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, without being prompted to do so first.
Pew Research Center

What parents say about their teen’s AI use

About this research This study is Pew Research Center’s latest effort to explore the landscape of teens and technology today. It focuses on artificial ...
OPB

Teens are having disturbing interactions with chatbots. Here’s how to lower the risks

It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that Keri Rodrigues began to worry about how her kids might be using chatbots. She learned her youngest son was interacting with the chatbot in his Bible app — he ...
Forbes

Why Students Need AI Tutors, Not Just Chatbots

There’s no doubt that chatbots like ChatGPT are widespread in classrooms. Seemingly overnight, these tools have unlocked the door to instant information. Yet, somewhat paradoxically, the way students ...