Calling someone a bot on social media once meant you suspected they were actually a piece of software, but now the use of the word is shifting to become an insult to someone you know is human, say researchers.

Many efforts to detect social media bots use algorithms to try to identify patterns of behaviour that are more common in automated accounts controlled by computers, the traditional meaning of a bot, but their accuracy is questionable.

“Most recent research really focuses on the detection of social bots, which is problematic in itself because we have this ground truth problem,” says Dennis Assenmacher at Leibniz Institute for Social Sciences in Cologne, Germany, meaning we don’t know if detections are accurate.

To investigate, Assenmacher and his colleagues looked at how users perceive what is a bot or not. They did so by looking at how the word “bot” was used on Twitter between 2007 and December 2022 (the social network changed its name to X in 2023, following its purchase by Elon Musk), analysing the words that appeared next to it in more than 22 million English-language tweets.

The team found that before 2017, the word was usually deployed alongside allegations of automated behaviour of the type that would traditionally fit the definition of a bot, such as “software”, “script” or “machine”. After that date, the use shifted.

“Now, the accusations have become more like an insult, dehumanising people, insulting them, and using this as a technique to deny their intelligence and deny their right to participate in a conversation,” says Assenmacher.

While the cause of the shift is unclear, Assenmacher says it could be political in nature. The team looked at high-profile accounts followed by each Twitter user, such as those of politicians and journalists, to classify users as left or right-leaning. It turned out that left-leaning users were more likely to accuse others of being bots, and those who were accused were more likely to be right-leaning.

“A potential explanation might be that media frequently reported about right-wing bot networks influencing major events like the [2016] US election,” says Assenmacher. “However, this is just speculation and would need confirmation.”

SpaceX has released some remarkable footage (below) showing a Crew Dragon spacecraft zipping through space, with the Pacific Ocean several hundred miles below.

Aboard the Crew Dragon were NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov as they made their way to the International Space Station (ISS) in SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission.

Dragon flying over the Pacific Ocean on its way to the @Space_Station. Docking is targeted for ~5:30 p.m. ET → https://t.co/FrV7sLMZvj pic.twitter.com/IDdDE5v0pE

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 29, 2024

In another video, this one released by NASA, we get a similar view.

The @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is nearing the space station for a docking to the Harmony module as it soars over the Pacific Ocean. Watch live… https://t.co/uJmA8PK1Qk pic.twitter.com/Xz6yF8r75H

— International Space Station (@Space_Station) September 29, 2024

A few hours later, the Crew Dragon reached the orbital outpost before docking, enabling the two Crew-9 crew members to board and meet their nine colleagues already stationed there.

The videos were shared on X, and some commenters wondered how the footage had been captured. While one quipped that a selfie stick had been used, the reality is that it was shot from a camera aboard the ISS. With the station orbiting Earth at a speed of around 17,500 mph, it’s essential for the Crew Dragon to match this speed for docking, which is why the ISS is able to track the spacecraft’s movement so perfectly.

When a spacecraft docks with the ISS, it looks as if only the incoming vehicle is moving, and even then, at a very slow speed. But in reality, both are hurtling through space at 17,500 mph.

Hague and Gorbunov arrived safely at the ISS on Sunday. Crew-9 was originally supposed to involve four crew members, but two seats had to be left empty for NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who will travel home with Hague and Gorbunov at the end of the Crew-9 mission in February. Williams and Wilmore arrived at space station in June on the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner, but issues with the spacecraft prompted NASA to bring it home empty. The decision meant that for Williams and Wilmore, a 10-day stay aboard the ISS suddenly turned into an eight-month mission.

With the sudden rise of mobile technologies, people have begun to enjoy their entertainment quite differently, and the casino industry remains one of the significant fields where such change has been noticed. Casino apps allow users to play games virtually anywhere, providing seamless access to global gaming experiences. For example, Norwegian casinos online offer a highly regulated environment known for strict gambling laws and player protection, with not many options to choose from. In contrast, the UK’s online casino industry is one of the largest in the world, boasting a wide variety of games and operators, still strictly controlled and licensed under the UK Gambling Commission.

Meanwhile, countries like Malta and Gibraltar have become popular hubs for online gambling companies, offering favorable tax regulations and robust oversight. This global network of online casinos ensures that no matter where users are located, they can access diverse gaming experiences tailored to local regulations and player preferences.

This has given a whole new dimension of accessibility to users, completely changing the way users approach casino games like blackjack, poker, and slots. It’s far more convenient, much safer, and more personal than ever.

Convenience of mobile gaming

One of the major benefits of casino apps is convenience. With players no longer physically restricted to desktop computers or casinos, they can now access various games whenever and wherever. Whether it’s a quick round of poker during lunch or while commuting playing slots, these mobile apps make it very easy for users to enjoy gaming on their terms.

This flexibility means that users can build gaming into their daily routines, and the floodgates to a larger and more diverse audience are opened. With the use of a smartphone or tablet, for as long as users have access to the internet, they can enjoy a full casino experience right at their fingertips.

Features designed for mobile users

Casino apps are designed so mobile users can enjoy their stay on the gaming website. Controls that are easy on the touch, sleek user interfaces, and access to instant games make gameplay hassle-free and seamless. Notifications on promotions, bonuses, and new games keep the players interested in the apps.

Equally important is the personalization that the apps offer to players. Players can personalize their interface as they see fit, thus making playing more fun and accessible. The level of control in casino apps has contributed significantly to the popularity of apps for casual and seasoned players.

Global accessibility

Casino apps have taken away geographical boundaries, and it is easy for players from different parts of the globe to access online gambling platforms. The similarity in engaging in local or international sites is that individuals can enjoy their favorite games anywhere without geographical limitations.

This access has helped develop not only the general experience of users but also the interaction across diverse regions of players. Features like multiplayer games and live dealers have added a social feel to online casinos, making them more enjoyable and interactive for all participants.

Secure and convenient payment methods

The secure variety of payment options that mobile casino apps provide lets players be able to deposit or withdraw funds directly from their phones. Various flexible and secure transaction options are available on these apps, including mobile banking, using an e-wallet, and even cryptocurrency.

This makes for a seamless experience, whereby players would not have to toggle between devices just to manage their funds. Many apps also integrate advanced encryption technologies that guarantee the security of whatever financial information is exchanged, freeing a player’s mind from thoughts of fraud or theft.

Continuous updates and game expansion

Casino apps are frequently updated, providing users with the latest games, promotions, and security enhancements. Developers can push updates to the app in real-time, ensuring that players always have access to new features and a secure environment.

These constant updates keep the gaming experience fresh and engaging, encouraging users to return regularly for new content. Whether it’s the introduction of themed slot machines, seasonal promotions, or improved user interfaces, mobile apps ensure that the casino experience remains dynamic and exciting.

Featured image source

It’s not just you — the PlayStation Network is currently experiencing issues, kicking people off their matches and crashing games around the world. Based on Downdetector reports, the issue started shortly after 8PM Eastern time tonight, September 30. Sony Interactive Entertainment has yet to release a statement about the problem, but it has updated the PlayStation Network status page to show that several of its services are down.

Users can’t sign in, create new accounts or edit their account details on the PS5, PS4, PS Vita and PS3. They can’t do any account maintenance on the web either. Likewise, they can’t stream games on the web or on any PlayStation console. They can’t do any window shopping, as well: Users can’t browse or search for games, redeem vouches, make any purchases or download previously purchased titles.

“We’re working to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” the company wrote in the status update. “Thank you for your patience.”

Developing…