Social Bots
Also known as “Social Media Bots.”
Social bots are automated software programs or scripts used on social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram to mimic human behaviour and perform certain tasks. These bots can automatically create posts, react to posts, gain followers, or share content.
While some social bots are used for legitimate purposes, such as spreading news or answering customer inquiries, there are also those used for dishonest intentions. These can serve to manipulate opinions or spread misinformation.
Filter Bubble
The filter bubble describes the tendency of online platforms and algorithms to present users with personalized content and information based on their previous activities and interests. As a result, users may be trapped in a “bubble” of information that reinforces their existing views and opinions, as divergent viewpoints or diverse perspectives are rarely shown to them.
This limitation can restrict the diversity of information users are exposed to and foster the formation of echo chambers. In such chambers, people mainly interact with like-minded individuals and reject alternative viewpoints.
Algorithms
Algorithms are complex mathematical instructions and rules used by computer programs to perform tasks or calculations. In the context of social media and the internet in general, algorithms are used to select and display content that matches the individual preferences and behaviours of users.
These algorithms can prioritize information based on factors such as likes, clicks, interactions, and other data points to create personalized feeds and search results.
Algorithms, filter bubbles, and social bots can influence your online behaviour in various ways
- Personalized content:
Algorithms analyze your online behaviour, including the websites you visit, searches you conduct, and interactions on social media. Based on this data, they select content intended to match your interests. This can lead to your online feed mainly showing content that aligns with your existing views and interests, as algorithms tend to prioritize similar content. It is important to be aware that content personalization by algorithms can lead to a filter bubble, where diverse viewpoints may be less prominently displayed.
- Filter bubble:
Filter bubbles can trap you in a bubble of information that reinforces your existing opinions and views. You may see less diverse or divergent perspectives. This can influence your (online) behaviour by reinforcing your preferences and beliefs and making you less willing to accept alternative viewpoints or interact with people who hold different opinions. It is important to be aware of this dynamic influence and actively seek out ways to create a more diverse information base.
- Influence of social bots:
Social bots can influence your interactions on social media by generating likes, comments, and shares on posts or spreading fake information. If you interact with fake accounts or bots, you may be tempted to spread misinformation or become involved in discussions manipulated by bots or trolls. It is important to be aware that such bots can affect the dynamics and authenticity of online interactions, and therefore, one should be critical of which accounts they interact with.
- Information overload:
Algorithms can overwhelm you with a flood of information and content as they attempt to create personalized feeds. This can influence your online behaviour by directing your attention to specific content and making it more difficult to filter and select relevant information. It is important to be aware of this dynamic and take steps to maintain control over the flow of information and ensure a balanced information base.
To positively influence your online behaviour and protect yourself from the potentially negative effects of algorithms, filter bubbles, and social bots, it is important to think critically, verify information, use different sources, and actively seek out diverse perspectives. It is also helpful to be aware of how algorithms and personalized content work and, if necessary, adjust your settings to receive a broader range of information. By adopting this conscious approach, you can maintain control over your online experience and ensure that you receive diverse and reliable information.