The science of social bots seeks knowledge and solutions to one of the most debated forms of online misinformation. Yet, social bots research is plagued by widespread biases, hyped results, and misconceptions that set the stage for ambiguities, unrealistic expectations, and seemingly irreconcilable findings. Overcoming such issues is instrumental towards ensuring reliable solutions and reaffirming the validity of the scientific method. In this contribution we revise some recent results in social bots research, highlighting and correcting factual errors as well as methodological and conceptual issues. More importantly, we demystify common misconceptions, addressing fundamental points on how social bots research is discussed. Our analysis surfaces the need to discuss misinformation research in a rigorous, unbiased, and responsible way. This article bolsters such effort by identifying and refuting common fallacious arguments used by both proponents and opponents of social bots research as well as providing indications on the correct methodologies and sound directions for future research in the field.

翻译：社交机器人科学旨在探寻网络虚假信息这一最具争议形态的知识与解决方案。然而，该领域普遍存在偏见、夸大性结论与误解，导致研究中的模糊性、不切实际的期望以及看似不可调和的研究发现。克服这些问题对于确保可靠解决方案的科学有效性至关重要。本文系统梳理了社交机器人领域的近期研究成果，着重指出并修正事实性错误以及方法论与概念性问题。更重要的是，我们通过阐释社交机器人研究讨论中的基本要点，揭示了常见误解的本质。本分析表明，有必要以严谨、无偏见且负责任的方式讨论虚假信息研究。本文通过识别并驳斥社交机器人研究支持者与反对者双方常见的谬误论证，同时为该领域未来的正确研究方法与合理方向提供指导，从而强化了这一科学努力。