A personal digital assistant device includes: a memory storing an interactive personal digital assistant program and a processor configured to execute the interactive personal digital assistant program. The interactive personal digital assistant program performs an operation to determine whether the service provider is automated or is not automated. The interactive personal digital assistant program is configured to issue a command to the service provider on behalf of a user of the device, when it is determined that the service provider is automated. The interactive personal digital assistant program is configured to issue an alert on the device when it is determined that the service provider is not automated. The interactive personal digital assistant program may continue until the goal of the interaction is met or human help is sought.