What are bot networks and fake accounts?

A bot network is like a group of invisible helpers who do things online without anyone knowing it, and fake accounts are pretend people on the internet who act like real ones.

Imagine you're playing a game with your friends. Suddenly, 10 more kids show up, but they all wear the same costume and say the same thing. That’s what happens when bot networks and fake accounts are used, it feels like there are way more people online than there really are.

Think of a bot network as a team of robots working together. These robots can send messages, post pictures, or even vote on things without anyone realizing they're not real kids. They all follow the same rules and do the same tasks, like a robot army!

A fake account is just like pretending to be someone else when you play hide-and-seek. You might use a different name, wear a funny hat, or say silly things so no one knows it's really you behind the scenes.

Sometimes, bot networks and fake accounts work together, like having a whole robot army dressed up as different kids in the game!