How to Spot a Bot – Here’s how to know if you’re arguing with a bot!

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We basically live and breathe online, but could your digital communications on social media not be as authentic as you think?


This is a result of… bots!

This automated plague has taken over just about every social media platform you know and love and they aren’t going anywhere any time soon, however, it is possible to fight back!

The best way to beat a bot isn’t to have a silly argument with them, it’s to simply see them for what they really are, automated fantasies designed to trick you as well as other users into giving out your details and much more.

Here’s how to spot a bot…

Did you know that recent research shows that Twitter alone has over 30 million bots! But, of course, there are bots across all social media networks including Facebook and Instagram.

Most bots are there to rile users up to support a cause or sign up for something for an unbelievable low price such as medical aid; some have purposes that aren’t really clear. Anyway, you need to be able to spot the signs that it’s a bot and sometimes it isn’t so easy.


First of all your need to check the user’s Facebook profile, Twitter bio, etc. does it seem like it belongs to an actual, living person? Does it have a real profile image and not a stock image or abstract silhouette? Reverse search their profile pic on Google and the results will tell you all you need to know.

Next you need to check their history. On Facebook do they have only a few recent posts that all happened in a short amount of time? Do they post family pictures or just share other user’s posts? If you’re checking on Twitter be sure to check if they have obtained a large following in a small amount of and if they constantly retweeting and promoting.

Don’t have the time to dig through everything on social media? Try using a bot-checking tool or give OSINT a call on 021 110 0422 | contact@osint.co.za and we will spot that bot in no time!
So you’ve found a bot, you should be proud of yourself! But what happens next?

Not everyone knows about bots or has the time to investigate every account online. That is why it is so important to spread the word and educate others about bots. This means it’s a good idea to always report a bot if you find one, whether you’re on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram.


Keep in mind that the fact that you found a bot means you’ve taken away its power to deceive you. Simply mute the bot account or block it and keep going about your business!

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