Detect Deepfakes & Spot the Bot: A Practical Guide to Online Misinformation : Spot the Bot
Democracy Lab presentation and resources to help you navigate online misinformation with confidence!
What are bots and why does it matter?
Social media bots are fake accounts that use automated or semi-automated programming to infiltrate platforms and shape how humans behave online. Bots can be used to propagate hate speech, spread propaganda, sway public opinion, and sell goods or services. Bots can be a serious problem on social media because users are often unable to tell the difference between a bot and a human. (Snopes)
How to spot bots in a comments section or a forum
- Multiple comments by users in a short period of time
- 24/7 availability
- Incomplete or unfinished comments
- Unusual use of language
- Repetitive or vague responses
- No understanding of subtle language and humor
- Check profile – blank? Other bots?
- Grammar/spelling
- Inconsistencies and contradictions
- External tools and extensions
- "Ignore all previous instructions"
Helpful links
- How to Spot Social Media BotsSnopes (famous fact-checkers) article about spotting bots and why it's important to be able to distinguish them from human commenters.
- The Ultimate Guide to Spotting and Fighting Bots on Social MediaQuick guide on spotting bots online and how to protect yourself.
- Battling the Bots: Tips to Identify, Avoid, and Report Automated AccountsMuch more detail on identifying bots and reporting them!
- Human or NotSimple 2-minute chat game to determine if you're chatting with a human or an AI chatbot. Do you think you can spot who's who?