Abstract:
Bots on social media platforms is a phenomenon that has become pervasive as the presence and use of digital
platforms by netizens. Although statistics is vague on how many bots accounts exist, even more difficult to grapple
with is the underlying reason for their existence. Automatic tools have been developed for their detection and
elimination, however the way to characterize these accounts and measure their impact is heterogeneous in literature.
Even more perplexing in many discourses is the near absence of the cultural underpinnings and dynamics of their
existence, particularly in Nigeria. This represents a new frontier of challenge. The study adopts Prospect Theory,
Social Exchange Theory and Chatbots Theory, using Focus Group combined with Phenomenology in observation of
identity submissions to better understand netizens pattern of behavior on Social Networking Sites. Findings reveal
that, although significant confidence is placed on social media platforms, many netizens conceal their real identities.
The study found out as well that pseudo identities dominate because sharing certain personal information violates
long-standing culture of social identity secrecy entrenched in customary traditions in many parts of Nigeria. It also
reveals that many of the multi and pseudo identity alias are existential normative to shield many political activists in
response to the unsafe political terrains. Aside acquainting themselves with the overt and covert cultural nuances of
social media users, the study concludes that computer software engineers and developers in Nigeria need to develop
customized software and re-categorize bots accounts, and chat-bots particularly into the algorithmic template because
of the socio-psychological peculiarities of the clime.
