Bot
Bot
A program that automatically performs set tasks on behalf of a human
In Simple Terms
A bot is a program that automatically carries out set tasks on the internet in place of a human. Familiar examples include chatbots that automatically reply to questions, and programs that search engines use to crawl and collect web pages from around the world. On the other hand, malicious bots also exist — ones that bulk-buy concert tickets or flood inboxes with large volumes of spam messages. Because of this, many websites have security measures in place to tell whether a visitor is a real person or a bot.
Behind the Name
"Bot" is a shortened form of the word "Robot." Just like robots on a factory floor assemble parts, bots on the internet automatically handle tasks like gathering data and replying to messages — and that's how the name came about.
Take a Closer Look!
A bot is a program that automatically carries out set tasks on the internet.
It handles things that would take a human a long time to do by hand, running around the clock without a break — making it a genuinely useful tool.
A familiar example is a chatbot, which automatically replies to messages on LINE or company websites.
Search engines like Google also use bots — called web crawlers — to visit websites around the world and collect information.
Not all bots are helpful, though. Some are outright harmful.
For example, malicious bots can automatically snap up tickets to popular concerts, or flood social media with massive volumes of spam.
That's why some websites display an "I'm not a robot" verification step to determine whether the visitor is a real person or a bot.
Bots can make everyday life more convenient, but preventing misuse matters just as much — making them a technology that truly cuts both ways.