How do you deal with fake accounts, bots, and trolls in social media research?

1 Use reliable tools

The first step is to use reliable tools and methods to collect and analyze your social media data. You can use tools like CrowdTangle, Botometer, or FakeCheck to monitor and measure the activity, engagement, and authenticity of social media accounts and posts. You can also use tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or Google Forms to create and distribute online surveys that require email verification, captcha, or other anti-spam measures. These tools can help you filter out the noise and focus on the relevant and genuine data.

2 Check the quality

The second step is to check the quality and validity of your social media data. You can look for signs of fake accounts, bots, and trolls, such as inconsistent or incomplete profiles, unnatural or repetitive language, irrelevant or inflammatory comments, or suspicious patterns of behavior. You can also compare your social media data with other sources of data, such as web analytics, customer feedback, or industry reports, to see if they match or contradict. If you find any discrepancies or anomalies, you can investigate further or discard the data.

4 Communicate clearly

The fourth step is to communicate clearly and transparently with your social media audience and stakeholders. You can inform them about the purpose and scope of your social media research, the tools and methods you use, the data you collect and analyze, and the results and insights you generate. You can also invite them to participate in your research, ask them for feedback, or thank them for their contribution. Communicating clearly can help you build trust, credibility, and engagement with your social media audience and stakeholders.

5 Learn and improve

The fifth step is to learn and improve from your social media research experience. You can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your social media research, the challenges and opportunities you faced, the lessons and best practices you learned, and the actions and recommendations you implemented. You can also monitor the impact and outcomes of your social media research, the feedback and reactions you received, and the changes and trends you observed. Learning and improving can help you refine your social media research skills and strategies.

6 Stay updated

The sixth step is to stay updated on the latest developments and innovations in social media research. You can follow the news and trends of the social media platforms, the tools and methods of the social media research, the issues and debates of the social media research community, and the examples and case studies of the social media research practice. You can also join the conversations and networks of the social media research professionals, experts, and peers. Staying updated can help you adapt and evolve your social media research in a dynamic and competitive environment.