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Bots and Misinformation Spread on Social Media: Implications for COVID-19
McKenzie Himelein-Wachowiak1, Salvatore Giorgi1,2, Amanda Devoto1
1Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, United States.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|April 21, 2021
Summary
Automated accounts, or bots, significantly contribute to the COVID-19 infodemic by spreading misinformation. A study found up to 66% of bots discussed COVID-19, potentially impacting the pandemic
Area of Science:
- Digital epidemiology
- Social media analysis
- Public health communication
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic (caused by SARS-CoV-2) has been accompanied by a surge in online misinformation, termed an "infodemic."
- Automated social media accounts, known as bots, are suspected of amplifying this misinformation.
- Understanding the role of bots is crucial for public health strategies during global health crises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of bots in spreading COVID-19 misinformation.
- To review bot strategies, origins, and prevalence in the COVID-19 infodemic.
- To analyze bot activity related to COVID-19 discussions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on bots and misinformation.
- Analysis of datasets containing known bots.
- Secondary data analysis to quantify bot discussion of COVID-19.
Main Results:
- Bots are actively involved in spreading (mis)information.
- Up to 66% of analyzed bots were found to be discussing COVID-19.
- Bot strategies for information dissemination were reviewed.
Conclusions:
- Bots play a significant role in the COVID-19 infodemic.
- The high volume of COVID-19 related bot activity, combined with human susceptibility, may influence pandemic outcomes.
- Further research and mitigation strategies are needed to address bot-driven misinformation.
Keywords:
COVID-19Twitterbotscoronavirusdisinformationfake newsinfodemicinfodemiologyinfoveillancemisinformationonline communitiespublic healthsocial listeningsocial mediaspambotsMore Related Videos
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