Social media, revolution, and the rise of the political bot

Introduction Academics, policy makers, and activists worldwide are increasingly concerned with the role of social media in revolutionary contexts and its use during other conflict and security crises. The 2009 Iranian presidential election brought about an enthusiastic interest in the organizational and publicity-oriented messaging power of such platforms for activists on the ground. The Iranian government’s interference with networks during this time, and state-based manipulation of social media tools since, suggest, however, that such enthusiasm be tempered.