Social Robots: A Socio-technical Controversy

Abstract

The rise of far-right groups in Latin American and Caribbean countries reveals the use of strategies to manipulate public discussions, including the massive use of fake profiles on social media. Therefore, using case study methodology, this article aims to analyze the concept of social bots by describing the main initiatives for detecting automated profiles on X, formerly Twitter. By using the Actor-Network Theory, it was possible to uncover the complexity involved in defining a computerized profile, pointing to the need to establish an umbrella concept that encompasses practices such as automated profiles, robots, hybrid profiles, sockpuppets, and meatpuppets. Ultimately, we identify that the Botometer X, Pegabot, Bot Sentinel, and Bot Slayer platforms are based on automated monitoring methodologies, with data on user behavior patterns as the essential elements that indicate whether users are humans or robots.