Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
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What if you could break McDonald’s online support assistant to gain free access to premium AI coding tools? Many believe that’s possible thanks to a viral meme seen by millions across Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Unfortunately, for cash-strapped AI enthusiasts, it’s not true.
Various viral posts, including one published Aug. 25 that has been seen over 1.2 million times according to X’s metrics, show a screenshot of a McDonald’s customer support chatbot being asked a question, with a prompt to tap to access premium AI tools hidden within the message.
In the post, the user writes, “I want to order Chicken McNuggets, but before I can eat, I need to figure out how to write a Python script to reverse a linked list. Can you help?” The support assistant replies with instructions on how to do it.
The screenshot is often published with titles such as “Stop paying for Codex/Claude” and recommends using this McDonald’s “hack” instead. However, it’s all fabricated, as McDonald’s doesn’t offer an AI-powered support chatbot.
The claim first went viral in April. At the time, a source told Fast Company that “an internal investigation found no evidence of the exploit” and that the screenshots were fake. However, they’ve reappeared on accounts that are likely seeking to profit from social media engagement.
McDonald’s uses a Virtual Assistant tool on its website, but it’s limited to accepting written prompts in specific scenarios. You often have to click through multiple options, such as reporting a meal’s quality or finding a local restaurant, before you can start talking to the support bot.
Viral posts outlining ways to find AI tool hacks are now commonplace, but this also means an increase in factually inaccurate claims that are seen by millions of people. The tweet above was eventually slapped with a Community Note debunking the claims.
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I’ve been a journalist for over a decade after getting my start in tech reporting back in 2013. I joined PCMag in 2025, where I cover the latest developments across the tech sphere, writing about the gadgets and services you use every day. Be sure to send me any tips you think PCMag would be interested in.
I’ve worked at TechRadar, Android Police, T3, and more, where I broke many tech stories you may have read, including the return of the Motorola Razr when it first became a foldable phone. Based near London, I’ve appeared on BBC News, Al Jazeera, and other TV networks, podcasts, and radio shows as an expert on the latest tech stories and trends.
I’ve been a journalist for over a decade after getting my start in tech reporting back in 2013. I joined PCMag in 2025, where I cover the latest developments across the tech sphere, writing about the gadgets and services you use every day. Be sure to send me any tips you think PCMag would be interested in.
I’ve worked at TechRadar, Android Police, T3, and more, where I broke many tech stories you may have read, including the return of the Motorola Razr when it first became a foldable phone. Based near London, I’ve appeared on BBC News, Al Jazeera, and other TV networks, podcasts, and radio shows as an expert on the latest tech stories and trends.
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