Talk to ELIZA online
ELIZA is a classic 1966 program that simulates conversation using pattern matching and transformation rules. This is a modern, browser-based ELIZA emulator with a clean UI and a retro-style “terminal” chat window.
Privacy note: by default this demo does not send chat text anywhere. (If you later add analytics/ads, keep that explicit.)
What is ELIZA?
1) Detect keywords
ELIZA looks for patterns (“mother”, “feel”, “because”) and picks a matching rule.
2) Transform your words
It swaps pronouns (“I” ↔ “you”), then plugs your phrase into a response template.
3) Ask a question back
Many replies are open-ended questions, nudging you to continue the conversation.
FAQ
No — it’s a modern JavaScript reimplementation inspired by the original 1966 program and its classic “DOCTOR” style script.
Not in the modern sense. ELIZA doesn’t understand meaning; it uses pattern matching and canned templates. It can still feel surprisingly human.
Try phrases like “I feel worried”, “My father annoys me”, “Because…”, “I can’t…”, or “I dreamt…”
This draft demo stores nothing by default. If you later add analytics/ads, you should publish a short privacy statement.
Want the technical detail? See how ELIZA works. Curious about the psychological side? See the ELIZA effect and chatbot ethics. Interested in the bigger picture? Read about ELIZA’s influence on modern chatbots.