bot

Bot is a software program designed to automate tasks that would otherwise require human action. Bots operate by following predefined rules or machine learning models and can run continuously, handling large volumes of work with speed and consistency. They are used to retrieve information, interact with users, perform transactions, or coordinate complex workflows across networks.

Common types include chatbots, which simulate dialogue with users; virtual assistants that interpret speech and perform tasks; web crawlers or spiders that index pages for search engines; automation bots that manage repetitive data entry or monitoring; and game bots that play or assist in online games. A separate category, botnets, refers to networks of compromised devices controlled remotely for coordinated wrongdoing.

The word bot is short for robot and the concept has roots in early computing and science fiction. The idea of automated conversational programs emerged with ELIZA in the 1960s, while the term gained traction as the internet grew, leading to web crawlers in the 1990s and widespread automation in various domains.

Bots raise issues of trust, authenticity, and safety. They can spread spam or disinformation when misused, and can automate abusive or fraudulent activity. Platforms implement measures such as verification, rate limits, CAPTCHAs, and moderation policies to mitigate abuse. Responsible bot development emphasizes transparency, user consent, and robust testing.