Exploring social bots: A feature-based approach to improve bot detection in social networks

However, this remarkable success has also given rise to malicious activities, such as the deliberate dissemination of misinformation. Many nations have raised concerns about foreign interference in their electoral processes and social movements, often orchestrated by other countries or organisations [2-5]. A significant portion of this disinformation is propagated by social bots, automated accounts that mimic human behaviour on social networks, creating and sharing content while interacting with unsuspecting users who are typically unaware that they are engaging with artificial entities. Detecting and stopping the activities of these bots is critical to maintaining the integrity of online information and preserving the authenticity of public discourse [6]. The presence of bots on social media can also harm online ecosystems by engaging in malicious activities such as spamming, phishing, and cyber attacks [7, 8]. Effective bot detection plays a crucial role in safeguarding online platforms, creating a secure and reliable environment for users.