bots

Bots are software applications that perform automated tasks, often without direct human input. They run autonomously or semi-autonomously in online environments, interacting with users, systems, or other software. The term combines “robot” and “software agent” and covers a broad range of programs from simple automation scripts to advanced conversational agents.

Common types include web crawlers or spiders that index content for search engines; chatbots and virtual assistants that simulate dialogue with users; social bots that operate on networks; and transaction or automation bots that perform repetitive tasks in business processes. Botnets are networks of compromised devices controlled by an attacker for coordinated actions and are a major cybersecurity concern. Legitimate bots are widely used for data gathering, testing, customer support, and service orchestration, while malicious bots are used for spam, fraud, manipulation, or malware distribution.

Operation methods vary: some bots follow programmed rules, scripts, or APIs; others employ artificial intelligence or machine learning to interpret language, recognize patterns, or decide on actions. They typically rely on endpoints, message queues, and authentication to interact with systems and users.

Impact and governance: Bots increase efficiency and enable scalable interactions but raise concerns about bias, privacy, security, and accountability. Detecting and mitigating harmful bots—through CAPTCHAs, rate limits, and bot-detection technologies—remains a focus for platforms and researchers. Understanding the distinction between legitimate automation and abuse is important for policy and design.