
What engine to base an online store on?
2025-02-05What is artificial intelligence in the context of websites?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that enables computers and systems to mimic human intelligence through data analysis, machine learning and autonomous decision-making. On websites, AI acts as an invisible assistant that streamlines and personalizes the user experience, facilitates interaction and optimizes administrative processes.
How is AI changing the internet?
Until a few years ago, websites were static and offered the same set of information to all users. Today, thanks to AI, sites dynamically adapt to user preferences, browsing history and behavior. We can see this, for example, in:
- Personalization of content – websites suggest products, articles and multimedia tailored to the user’s interests.
- Interactive customer service – chatbots and virtual assistants can conduct conversations, answer questions and help with purchases.
- Search optimization – smart algorithms help users find information of interest faster.
- Increasing accessibility – AI enables people with disabilities to use online content more easily.
Why has AI become crucial for Internet users?
Today, users expect fast, intuitive and personalized online experiences. AI meets these expectations by helping users find the information they need, make purchases and use online services more easily. In an era of massive amounts of content and data, artificial intelligence acts as a “digital guide” that analyzes user behavior and tailors websites to meet users’ needs.
In the following sections of the article, we will discuss in detail how AI affects specific aspects of websites and how it benefits users.
2. personalization of content and user experience
In an age of vast amounts of content available online, users expect websites to provide them with information tailored to their interests and needs. Artificial intelligence plays a key role in personalizing content, helping both users and website owners create more engaging and effective online experiences.
How does AI personalize content?
Artificial intelligence uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to analyze user behavior. Based on browsing history, clicks, time spent on the site and previous interactions, AI can:
- Customize the content displayed on the site – for example, news sites show news according to the user’s interests.
- Suggest products and services – online stores suggest products similar to those the user has viewed before.
- Customize ads – Ad systems, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, analyze user behavior and display ads that have the best chance of capturing the viewer’s interest.
Examples of AI personalization in practice
- Netflix and Spotify – smart content recommendations
- AI algorithms analyze viewing and listening history to suggest movies, TV series and music tracks tailored to the user’s preferences.
- Based on data from millions of users, AI can predict what content a particular person might like.
- Amazon and e-commerce shopping suggestions
- Online stores are using AI to analyze users’ purchase histories and habits, allowing them to suggest products that may interest them.
- Dynamic recommendations visible on the homepage or in the “Customers who bought this product also bought…” section increase the chances of sales.
- Google and AI-based search engine
- Google personalizes search results based on a user’s previous queries and location.
- The autocomplete function helps you find the information you need faster.
- Social media – personalized feed
- Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter customize the content seen in the main information feed based on a user’s previous interactions.
- Algorithms analyze what posts, photos and videos generate the most interest and adjust the next content displayed based on that.
Benefits of personalization for users
- Better content matching – users see only the information they are interested in, which saves time and enhances the Internet browsing experience.
- Easier online shopping – with AI recommendations, users find the products they need faster.
- Less unnecessary ads – personalization makes ads more relevant and less annoying.
- Better organization of content – AI helps sort and categorize content, making it easier to find valuable information.
AI personalization challenges
While personalization has many advantages, it does bring some challenges, such as:
- Privacy issues – the collection of user data raises security and privacy concerns.
- The “information bubble” effect – Personalization can lead to users being locked into a specific information framework, limiting access to a variety of content and opinions.
- Wrong recommendations – AI does not always perfectly match the user’s needs, which can lead to inadequate suggestions being displayed.
To summarize:
AI-based personalization makes web users receive more relevant and customized content. Through data analysis and advanced algorithms, AI helps create better online experiences – from watching videos to shopping online to searching for information.
In the next part of the article, we will discuss how AI-based chatbots and virtual assistants facilitate users’ interaction with websites.
3. chatbots and virtual assistants
Chatbots and virtual assistants are one of the most widely used applications of artificial intelligence on websites. They allow users to quickly get answers to their questions, find the information they need and get things done without human contact.
What are chatbots and virtual assistants?
- Chatbots – AI programs that simulate a conversation with a user via text or voice. They can answer questions, give shopping advice, help with reservations and solve basic problems.
- Virtual assistants – more advanced AI systems that can not only answer questions, but also perform tasks such as booking appointments, managing schedules or searching for information on the Internet (e.g. Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa).
How do chatbots improve customer service?
- Fast and accessible 24/7 support
- Chatbots eliminate the need to wait for a response from a consultant.
- Users can get help at any time of the day or night.
- Automation of customer service
- Companies can serve more customers without hiring additional staff.
- Simple questions are solved automatically, while more difficult issues are redirected to people.
- Personalization of responses
- Modern chatbots use AI to analyze a user’s interaction history so they can customize responses.
- Based on previous conversations, the chatbot can suggest products, services or content that match the user’s preferences.
Examples of the use of chatbots
✅ E-commerce:
- Online stores use chatbots to recommend products, inform about promotions and help with ordering.
- Example: a chatbot on Zalando’s website advises customers on clothing choices based on their preferences and purchase history.
✅ Banking and Finance:
- Banks and fintech companies are deploying chatbots to handle inquiries about accounts, transactions and payments.
- Case in point: the Ewa chatbot at ING Bank Slaski helps users manage their accounts and payments.
✅ Reservation handling:
- Airlines, hotels and restaurants are using AI to book flights, hotel rooms and tables.
- Example: a chatbot on Booking.com helps search for hotels and answers questions about bookings.
✅ IT support and helpdesk:
- Technology companies are using chatbots to solve users’ technical problems.
- Case in point: Microsoft uses a chatbot in its support service to help Windows users.
Benefits for users
- Faster service and smaller queues – chatbots eliminate waiting time for a consultant to respond.
- Convenience and accessibility – users can solve problems without having to call or email.
- Better organization – chatbots can remind you of deadlines, schedule appointments and manage your schedule.
Challenges and limitations of chatbots
- Lack of full contextual understanding – chatbots may not be able to handle more complex or unusual questions.
- Limited empathy – AI will not fully replace human contact, especially in emotionally challenging situations.
- Privacy issues – chatbots analyze user data, which raises privacy questions.
To summarize:
Chatbots and virtual assistants are some of the most practical applications of AI on websites. They facilitate communication, save users’ time and help companies serve customers. In the future, chatbots will become increasingly sophisticated, making them even more responsive to users’ needs.
In the next part of the article, we will look at how AI affects search engines and website navigation.
4 Better search engine and navigation
One of the biggest challenges for web users is finding the information they need quickly and efficiently. Artificial intelligence significantly improves search engine performance and navigation, enabling more intuitive, precise and efficient content searches.
How does AI improve information retrieval?
Traditional search engines operated on the principle of keyword matching, which often led to poorly relevant results. Thanks to AI, modern search engines:
- They understand the user’s intent – AI analyzes the context of the query, not just individual words.
- They learn from user behavior – algorithms adjust search results based on previous interactions.
- They use autocomplete and hints – helping users find what they are looking for faster.
AI technologies to support search and navigation
- Artificial intelligence in search engines
- Google uses AI, including the RankBrain algorithm, which analyzes the intent of a query and matches the most relevant results.
- Modern algorithms analyze not only words, but also context, synonyms and natural language.
- Automatic prompts and autocorrection
- Search engines use an autocomplete function, suggesting phrases based on popular queries.
- Error correction mechanisms help find the right results even with typos.
- Semantic search and natural language analysis (NLP)
- AI allows search engines to understand the meaning of entire sentences and the context of a question.
- Example: the query “What’s the weather like in Paris?” does not require an exact phrase match, because AI understands that the user is looking for a weather forecast.
- Visual and voice search
- Image Search (Google Lens) allows you to find information based on images.
- Voice assistants (Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa) allow users to search for information without typing text.
- Smart website navigation
- AI analyzes users’ habits and adjusts page layout and content suggestions.
- Dynamic menus and recommendations make it easier for users to navigate the site.
Examples of using AI in search
✅ Google Search – the Internet’s most popular search engine, using AI to understand the context of queries and personalize results.
✅ Amazon – uses AI to recommend products based on search history.
✅ YouTube – search engine analyzes user preferences and suggests videos tailored to users’ interests.
✅ Online stores – AI improves e-commerce search engines to find products quickly.
Benefits for users
- Faster and more accurate search results – AI helps find the most relevant content without having to type queries multiple times.
- Intuitive operation – autocomplete, hints and voice search make finding information easier.
- Better organization of content – AI adapts the way information is displayed to the user’s needs.
Challenges and limitations of AI in search
- Information filtering – AI can restrict access to certain content based on a user’s prior preferences (“information bubble”).
- Privacy – Personalization mechanisms require analysis of user data, which raises privacy concerns.
- Manipulation of results – algorithms can be susceptible to abuse, such as sponsored content positioning.
To summarize:
AI significantly improves the quality of Internet search and navigation. Thanks to intelligent algorithms, users can find the information they need faster and easier, use voice search or receive more relevant recommendations. The technology will continue to evolve in the future, offering even more intuitive ways to interact with online content.
In the next section, we’ll discuss how artificial intelligence is making websites more accessible.
5. making websites more accessible
Web accessibility is a key aspect of providing all users – including people with disabilities – with easy access to online content and features. Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly improves the experience of people with various limitations, eliminating barriers and enabling them to use the Internet more freely.
How does AI help make websites more accessible?
- Automatic generation of subtitles and transcriptions
- AI can analyze sound in videos and automatically create subtitles, which is invaluable for deaf people.
- Example: YouTube and Netflix use AI to generate subtitles in different languages.
- Speech recognition and voice operation
- People with mobility limitations can use voice search and control websites with voice commands.
- Example: Voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa allow interaction without a keyboard.
- Real-time content translation
- AI makes it possible to translate web pages instantly, which helps people who don’t speak the language.
- Example: Google Translate offers automatic translation of pages and content in multiple languages.
- Smart screen readers
- AI improves the performance of programs that read web content to blind and visually impaired people.
- Example: Tools such as NVDA, JAWS and Microsoft Narrator use AI to read content more naturally.
- Contrast and color analysis and adjustment
- AI can automatically adjust the brightness, contrast and color scheme of a page to make it more readable for people with visual problems.
- Example: Many CMS systems (e.g., WordPress) have built-in AI tools to help customize the site to meet different user needs.
- Intelligent interface zooming and customization
- AI can automatically adjust text size, letter spacing and page elements to improve readability.
- Example: The “Zoom” function in AI-supported web browsers allows content to be dynamically resized.
Examples of the use of AI in improving accessibility
✅ Microsoft Seeing AI – an application that uses AI to describe the environment and read texts for the blind.
✅ Google Lookout – a tool that analyzes images and describes them to users with limited vision.
✅ VoiceOver (Apple) – a feature that allows blind and visually impaired people to operate Apple devices.
Benefits for users
- Greater independence – people with disabilities can use the Internet and apps more easily.
- Better social integration – AI facilitates communication and access to information.
- Easier to use websites – customization of content and interface.
AI accessibility challenges
- Not ideal speech and text recognition – AI does not always interpret content correctly, which can lead to errors.
- A requirement for continuous technology development – AI systems must be updated regularly to keep up with the diverse needs of users.
- User privacy – Some speech and image analysis tools may raise privacy concerns.
Summary
AI is playing a key role in improving the accessibility of websites, enabling better interaction for people with various limitations. With automatic captions, voice assistants, intelligent screen readers and translations, AI is making it easier for millions of people to use the Internet.
In the next section, we will discuss how AI enhances the safety and security of users on the Internet.
6. safety and security of users
The Internet is full of threats – from cyber attacks to fraud to harmful content. Artificial intelligence plays a key role in improving the security of website users, helping to detect threats, protect data and eliminate dangerous content.
How does AI enhance online security?
- Detecting fraud and cyber attacks
- AI analyzes network traffic in real time and identifies suspicious behavior that may indicate an attempted hacking attack.
- Example: Banking systems use AI to monitor transactions and detect suspicious financial operations.
- Content filtering and spam protection
- AI effectively blocks spam emails and unwanted content on websites.
- Example: Gmail uses AI to automatically classify messages as spam, priority or important.
- Identification and removal of dangerous content
- AI algorithms analyze content published on websites and social media, blocking disinformation, hate speech and harmful content.
- Example: Facebook and YouTube are using AI to moderate content and remove material that violates regulations.
- Authentication systems and user account protection
- AI supports login systems by analyzing login patterns and identifying suspicious access attempts.
- Example: Google and Apple are using AI to detect unauthorized login attempts on user accounts.
- Protection against phishing and online fraud
- AI analyzes emails, websites and advertisements, detecting phishing attempts.
- Example: Web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge) warn users before entering suspicious sites.
- Secure online payments
- AI analyzes transactions and recognizes unusual operations, preventing financial fraud.
- Example: Bank security systems block suspicious transactions and require additional authorization from the user.
Examples of AI in user protection
✅ reCAPTCHA – AI analyzes user behavior to distinguish between humans and bots.
✅ Darktrace – advanced AI that detects cyber attacks in real time.
✅ Twitter/X and Facebook – AI blocks accounts spreading misinformation and dangerous content.
Benefits for users
- Better data protection – AI protects accounts and sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Less spam and fraud – AI effectively blocks unwanted content and protects against phishing.
- Secure online transactions – AI monitors payments and prevents theft of financial data.
AI challenges in security
- Errors in threat identification – AI may mislabel content as dangerous or miss new types of threats.
- Dependence on algorithms – users must trust AI decisions, which can lead to system errors.
- Privacy vs. surveillance – AI monitoring threats may collect user data, raising privacy concerns.
Summary
AI significantly improves the security of website users by detecting cyber threats, protecting data and eliminating harmful content. In the future, these technologies will become even more advanced, providing more effective protection against increasingly sophisticated threats.
In the next section, we will discuss how AI supports e-commerce and online shopping.
7. artificial intelligence in e-commerce
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a key role in the development of e-commerce, helping online stores increase sales, optimize customer service and deliver personalized shopping experiences. Thanks to AI, users can find the products they are interested in faster, receive tailored recommendations and enjoy a more convenient shopping experience.
How is AI changing e-commerce?
- Smart product recommendations
- AI analyzes a user’s browsing and shopping history to suggest products that may interest them.
- Example: Amazon uses AI to recommend products based on previous purchases and the behavior of customers with similar interests.
- Personalization of offers and discounts
- AI algorithms analyze user preferences and dynamically adjust prices, promotions and advertising content.
- Example: Online stores offer personalized discount codes to users who show interest in a particular product.
- Virtual shopping assistants and chatbots
- AI-powered chatbots help customers find the right products, answer questions and improve customer service.
- Example: Sephora offers chatbots that advise customers on cosmetics choices based on their preferences.
- Image recognition and visual search
- AI allows users to search for products based on images, making it easier to find similar items in online stores.
- Example: Google Lens allows users to take a picture of a product and find it in online stores.
- Automation of order processing and logistics
- AI supports warehouse management, forecasts product demand and optimizes delivery processes.
- Example: Amazon uses AI to manage logistics and deliveries in Amazon Fulfillment warehouses.
- Dynamic pricing and trend forecasting
- AI analyzes market data and determines optimal prices for products in real time, which helps boost sales.
- Example: Airline Ryanair uses AI to dynamically price tickets based on demand and competition.
- Detecting fraud and preventing returns
- AI analyzes customers’ buying patterns and identifies suspicious transactions, minimizing the risk of fraud.
- Example: Online payment systems such as PayPal and Stripe use AI to detect unauthorized transactions.
Benefits for users
- Faster and more convenient shopping – AI helps you find the right products quickly.
- Personalized recommendations – users receive product suggestions tailored to their needs.
- Better customer service – chatbots and shopping assistants improve communication with stores.
- Transaction security – AI helps detect fraud and protects user data.
The challenges of AI in e-commerce
- Incorrect recommendations – AI does not always accurately predict customer needs.
- Dependence on algorithms – companies need to constantly improve their AI models to keep up with changing trends.
- Privacy issues – Analyzing customer data can raise privacy concerns.
Summary
AI is revolutionizing e-commerce, making online shopping more intuitive, fast and tailored to users. With intelligent recommendations, chatbots and optimized logistics processes, customers can enjoy a more convenient and personalized shopping experience.
8. the future of AI in websites
Artificial intelligence is already revolutionizing the way we use the Internet, but this is just the beginning. In the future, AI will become even more advanced, automating more processes and offering users even more intuitive and personalized experiences.
What might the future of AI on websites look like?
- Even more advanced personalization
- AI will be even better at analyzing user preferences and adjusting content in real time.
- Websites can dynamically change their appearance and functionality depending on who is using them.
- AI-based intelligent interfaces
- Websites will be more interactive, adapting the way content is presented to the user’s emotions and behavior.
- The AI will analyze the user’s facial expressions, tone of voice and movements to adjust the interaction.
- Contextual search and voice interaction
- The search engines of the future will operate more intuitively, understanding the context of the conversation and the user’s intentions.
- Virtual assistants will act as personal advisors to help navigate the Internet.
- Greater automation of processes
- AI will streamline online shopping, customer service and other activities, eliminating the need for many manual tasks.
- It will be possible to automatically fill out forms, schedule purchases or manage subscriptions.
- Artificial intelligence in content creation
- AI will become even more advanced in generating textual, visual and video content, allowing the automatic creation of articles, product descriptions or graphics.
- It will be possible to create interactive content, such as chatbots running narratives on websites.
- Enhanced privacy and security protection
- AI will be used to protect even more effectively against fraud, cyber attacks and fake content.
- Users will have more control over their data, and AI will help them manage it.
- Combining AI with augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR)
- Websites can become more immersive by offering AR and VR experiences.
- AI will tailor virtual environments to user preferences, creating personalized digital spaces.
Benefits for users in the future
- Even more intuitive and intelligent websites – AI will make the Internet experience smoother and more personalized.
- Faster access to information – AI will anticipate the user’s needs before the user formulates a question.
- Better customer service – chatbots and virtual assistants will become more natural and helpful.
- Greater security – AI will detect threats even more effectively and protect users from cyber attacks.
Challenges and threats of the future of AI
- Information overload – AI can deliver too much content, making it difficult for users to select it.
- Risk of over-personalization – users may be locked into “information bubbles,” limiting access to a variety of content.
- Ethical and privacy issues – Increasingly sophisticated AI can collect massive amounts of data, raising questions about privacy and control over information.
Summary
The future of AI in websites promises to be exciting. Artificial intelligence will become even more engaging, interactive and helpful, making life easier for users and improving the way companies operate online. However, with the development of AI, there will also be new challenges related to ethics, privacy and data security.
Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of today’s websites, significantly simplifying users’ lives. Through intelligent algorithms and automation, AI makes the Internet more intuitive, secure and customized for users.
Key findings:
✅ Personalizing content and improving user experience
AI analyzes users’ preferences and behaviors to deliver personalized content, shopping recommendations and dynamically customized interfaces.
✅ Chatbots and Assistants in Customer Service
With AI, users can get help quickly and conveniently by asking questions to chatbots and virtual assistants, greatly improving customer service.
✅ Improved search and navigation
AI algorithms make search engines better understand user intent, offering more relevant results and intelligent suggestions.
✅ Enhanced web accessibility
Artificial intelligence helps people with disabilities by offering real-time translation, speech recognition, subtitle generation and intelligent screen readers.
✅ Greater online security
AI protects users from fraud, cyber attacks, phishing and unsafe content by analyzing network traffic and detecting threats in real time.
✅ Cutting-edge technology in e-commerce
AI is revolutionizing online shopping, providing intelligent product recommendations, dynamic pricing, analysis of market trends and automation of order processing.
✅ The future of AI – even more user integration
AI developments will bring even more interactive, contextual and intuitive online experiences, combining artificial intelligence with augmented reality (AR), voice interfaces and modern approaches to privacy.
Encouraging the implementation of AI on websites
AI is already significantly impacting the way users use the Internet. Companies that deploy AI-based solutions gain a competitive advantage by offering better service and more engaging experiences.
It is worth watching the development of this technology and using its capabilities to make life easier for website users and create an even more modern and accessible digital environment.