Considered software (robots), bots are used to automate and streamline certain repetitive tasks in the virtual world, such as collecting relevant information on the web through keyword and hashtag searches, with the aim of helping users.
However, bots have also caught the attention of malicious people who may use them improperly, to mine user data on the internet and, in election periods like the one we were recently experiencing, provide false information to try to manipulate people's opinions. To do this, they create automated accounts that mimic human behavior and even make posts, follow other accounts, and interact with real people on social networks.
According to the survey, which was also conducted to ask Brazilians about the veracity of news circulating on social platforms, 75% said they were not sure that the information is actually true.
"With the use of Artificial Intelligence, it has become increasingly difficult to recognize whether a user account is a bot (robot) or a real person. A good tip to prevent malicious bots from infiltrating a user's social network is not to accept friend requests from strangers," highlights Avast.
Source: Our blog Avast
Frequently asked questions
What are social media bots and what are they used for?
Bots are software (robots) used to automate repetitive tasks in the digital world, such as gathering relevant information on the web through keyword and hashtag searches to help users. According to Avast research, though, only 33.49% of Brazilians actually know what bots are and what they are used for, while 36% are completely unaware of the topic.
How are malicious bots used to manipulate opinion on social media?
Malicious actors create automated accounts that mimic human behavior, posting content, following other accounts, and interacting with real people in order to mine user data and, especially during election periods, spread false information to manipulate public opinion. Avast's research found that 75% of Brazilians are not sure whether the information circulating on social platforms is actually true.
How can you spot and protect yourself from malicious bots on social media?
According to Avast, the growing use of artificial intelligence has made it increasingly difficult to tell whether an account is a bot or a real person. A simple, practical tip the company recommends is not accepting friend requests from strangers, which helps keep malicious bots from infiltrating a user's social network.