The Risks of False Positives
When it comes to social media intelligence and analysis, many rely on automated tools or scraping software to collect evidence. But at SMI Aware, we take a different approach. Our in-house analysts provide added value by gathering evidence in ways that better support your case—and hold up in court.
The Risks of Automated Tools in Social Media Intelligence
Using automated tools comes with significant risks. One of the biggest is the loss of the human element when selecting evidence that is both relevant and admissible.
Automated scraping tools often miss critical nuances, context, and terminology. They may either leave out important information—or overload you with irrelevant data. Too much information can waste valuable time as you sift through pages of unnecessary results to find what truly matters.
Another challenge is that automated tools depend on access to social media platforms. As platforms update their APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), automated tools can quickly become outdated. For example, Instagram removed automated access to its API to better protect user privacy. Tools that once scraped Instagram data are now unable to retrieve evidence from the platform.
Without up-to-date access, automated tools may fail to capture the evidence you need.
The Problem of False Positives
Automated tools also increase the risk of false positives. In today’s online environment—where misinformation and fake news are widespread—incorrect or unverified evidence can easily slip through.
There is no technology that can scan and evaluate unstructured data as effectively as a trained analyst. No software can fully replicate human judgment in gathering intelligence.
Why Human Analysts Matter
At SMI Aware, we combine proprietary technology with the expertise of our in-house analysts. Our team uses over 80 search strings to conduct thorough, targeted searches—bringing the critical human element to every investigation.
The result is a clear, focused report containing only the evidence that is legally obtained, relevant, and admissible in court. Our process helps minimize false positives and other risks associated with automated tools—delivering results you can trust.
Faster, More Reliable Results
Automated tools may promise speed, but they often create more work in the long run. Analysts save you time by filtering out irrelevant data and presenting only what matters to your case.
At SMI Aware, our team can deliver actionable social media intelligence in 2 business days—keeping your case on track during discovery without delays.
Contact us to learn more or schedule a demo.
