Bing adds CDC coronavirus self-checker chatbot to search results pages

Bing’s “corona” and “coronavirus”-related search results pages now feature the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Coronavirus self-checker as a persistent, expandable chatbot.

Users can interact with the self-checker right from the search results page to assess their symptoms and receive guidance.

The CDC’s Coronavirus self-checker on Bing.com.

Why we care

Chat functions have shown up in Bing’s search results in the past, but this is the first time one has appeared so prominently. Bing could potentially apply this type of feature to more contexts within search.

More on the news

• The self-checker asks users for consent and location, demographic and symptom information. Based on the information, it produces a recommendation such as “Stay at home and monitor your symptoms. Call your provider if you get worse,” or “Call 911 – You may be having a medical emergency.”
• The self-checker was developed using Microsoft’s Healthcare Bot service, the company announced in March.
• Google’s results page for “corona” does not feature the chatbot, but does show a link to the self-checker within the “Help and information” box.

More about marketing in the time of the coronavirus

• SEO will be a primary focus for marketers during the downturn, says survey
• Why you shouldn’t use Google Ads’ seasonality adjustments for COVID-19 fluctuations
• Can we trust automation in a time of crisis?
• How the Paycheck Protection Program can save your agency, and your clients

The post Bing adds CDC coronavirus self-checker chatbot to search results pages appeared first on Search Engine Land.

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