What Parents and Carers Need to Know about Social Bots

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About The Guide

What Parents and Carers Need to Know about Social Bots

Published 20th October 2021

A free online safety guide on social bots.

Bots are computer-generated accounts which sit on social media, masquerading as humans. While many are harmless or even have good intentions, others are designed to extort, sell products, spread propaganda or bully human users. Bots – short for ‘robots’, of course – are often confused with state-funded troll accounts; the two can be difficult to tell apart. However, if the results are the same, then both should be treated similarly.

In the guide, you'll find tips on avoiding potential risks such as cyberbullying, extortion and astroturfing.

Alan Martin

About The Expert

Alan Martin

Experienced technology journalist and former acting editor
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