AI-powered interviews · FAQs

Why does YouGov have an AI chatbot?

AI-powered interviews help us – and our clients - understand what people think, do, or buy - and why. 

The AI interviewer will ask questions and may follow up based on your responses. 

Sometimes topics are chosen by you (for example, something you’ve read in the news). Sometimes we’ll ask about your experience or impression of a particular brand, company, or product.

YouGov’s AI chatbot is different to other AI – why is this?

YouGov’s AI interviewer is designed to ask research questions and follow up on what you share. You can think of it as a market research bot. 

It’s different to other chatbots you may have interacted with – deliberately. To ensure neutrality, it can ask questions but cannot answer yours. It is not a support tool, and it cannot give advice or debate with you. 

Will I get points for taking part in a YouGov AI interview?

Some AI chats offer points, others don’t. Where points are offered, you will see the amount before you start – just like with surveys.

How long do AI interviews take? 

It varies. Some conversations are longer than others. We’ll tell you how long the interview is likely to take before you start so you can make an informed choice. 

Where can I take part in the AI chat?

You may see AI interview opportunities either while completing a survey, or as an invitation card on your dashboard. 

Do I have to take part in AI chats?

No. Participation is always your choice, you can skip it if you prefer. Participation has no impact on your account. 

What happens to the data I share with the AI?

Before each AI interview, you will be shown a short privacy and transparency notice that explains this. Please read it carefully. 

Can I opt in or out permanently?

No. During testing we found that many factors influence the choice to participate, including the time you have available, where you are, your mood, and how much you’re multi-tasking.

We want to ensure our members have as much flexibility as possible about where and how you participate, so we ask each time.

Can I participate through voice?

We know some members prefer voice rather than typing, including for accessibility. This is something we’re exploring.

Is this the same as a normal survey?

No. An AI interview is more like a short conversation. It can ask personalised follow-up questions based on what you say, rather than showing you a fixed set of questions. 

Is this used to make decisions about my account?

No. Your participation, and what you say in an AI interview, does not affect your account status, eligibility for surveys, or rewards history.

Can I delete or change what I said?

Once you send a message in the interview, you cannot edit it. If you have concerns about something you shared, use the report button and contact support via the usual channels.

Why do some people get invited and others do not?

Invitations depend on what research is running and who it needs to hear from at that moment. Availability can vary by topic, country, and member profile, the same way surveys do.

The AI said something wrong – what should I do?

AI can make mistakes. If anything feels inappropriate, unsafe, or wrong, please use the report button inside the interview. It’s a small flag icon next to each message. 

Why does the AI chatbot ask follow-up questions?

Follow-ups help capture the “why” behind an answer, for example what influenced your opinion, what mattered most, or what changed your mind.

What devices can I use?

You can take part on desktop or mobile, wherever YouGov interviews and surveys are available. The experience may vary slightly by device.

What if I don’t like AI interviews?

That’s fine. You can skip them whenever you see them. You will still be able to take part in regular surveys and other YouGov activities.

Will the AI know my survey answers?

If it’s launched from within a survey, it may have the topic or context for why you were invited. This can be used to start the conversation. The AI uses what you share during the interview to decide what to ask next. 

Can I stop half way through if I don’t like it?

Yes. You can leave the interview at any time. If points are offered, we’ll make it clear how rewards work if you do not finish.

What do the chats look like? Can I see without participating?

We thought you might be curious so here are screenshots of what the AI interview looks like on a phone and on a laptop.