Reddit Launches AI-Driven Answers Chatbot
Reddit is expanding access to its AI-powered conversational chatbot, Reddit Answers, to users in India. This feature, which began testing in December 2024 with select users in the United States, is now available on the Reddit website and mobile apps for both iOS and Android. Users can engage with the chatbot by asking questions, which it answers by sourcing information from various Reddit posts and presenting it in a conversational format. This rollout marks a significant step in making the platform’s AI capabilities more widely accessible.
New Features and Accessibility
On Thursday, many users in India noticed a new “Answers” tab added to their Reddit app. This tab, located at the bottom of the app next to the Home button, features an icon resembling three water droplets arranged in a triangle. Reddit Answers aims to assist users in finding information, recommendations, discussions, and opinions across the platform. Currently, the feature is in beta and is available to users in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US. However, it only supports the English language.
Users who are logged out can ask up to 10 questions per week, while those who are logged in can submit up to 20 questions daily. Premium subscribers, who have access to the beta version, can ask an impressive 100 questions each day. This tiered access allows for a range of user engagement, catering to both casual users and those seeking more in-depth interactions with the chatbot.
User Experience with Reddit Answers
Reddit Answers features a full-screen interface that prominently displays the Reddit Alien logo, along with the name of the feature and a brief description. Users are greeted with suggested queries to help them get started. At the bottom of the screen, there is a text field and a send button for submitting questions. When a user poses a query, the chatbot responds conversationally, providing links to relevant comments and directing users to specific subreddits for further exploration of the topic. Additionally, it lists the posts utilized to generate the response.
In practice, Reddit Answers performs well with straightforward and factual questions. However, it may struggle with niche inquiries that lack sufficient discussion on the platform. Users can provide feedback on the chatbot’s responses by marking them as helpful or unhelpful. For example, when asked about a recent Chelsea football match, the chatbot provided an answer that included a player’s name, though it mistakenly referenced a player who is not currently on the team.
Privacy and Data Usage
Reddit has clarified that the AI chatbot employs in-house technology to search, synthesize, and summarize existing posts and comments from various communities on the platform. It is important to note that the responses generated by the chatbot are not vetted by Reddit, and users are encouraged to verify the information before relying on it. This emphasis on user diligence highlights the platform’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of information shared through its AI features.
Furthermore, Reddit has stated that data from user interactions with the chatbot will be collected and utilized in accordance with the company’s privacy policy. This aspect of data handling is crucial for users to understand, as it underscores the importance of privacy in the age of AI-driven technology. As Reddit continues to refine and expand its AI capabilities, user feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of Reddit Answers.
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