Are bots the new internet influencers?

When something becomes a trending topic on Twitter, the assumption is that the Twittersphere is abuzz with interest. But it could be "fake buzz" (not to be confused with fake news) generated by bots and not real people.

New research from the University of Georgia has found that, in some cases, these automated Twitter accounts are the influencers behind trending hashtags.

Those concerned about the malicious spread of fake news can take comfort that these bots can also help raise awareness for various causes and in turn gain media coverage for under-reported societal issues.

"[Bots] may be used to spread fake news, but they may also be used to spread facts," says Elena Karahanna, professor of management information systems at the University of Georgia and co-author of the study.