I thought that calling people bots was just a way to dehumanize what they perceive as an opponent, just like in wars, but they know that it's a person.

It's easier to call someone a bot or other names than to engage with them or to try and understand their point of view.

We're increasingly pushed into different groups and sides with little to no toleration of each other. It's been progressing more over the past 10-15 years in the UK, US, and possibly elsewhere.

I think they honestly believe that because they can't even fathom that anyone would legitimately have a different opinion on something than them. And if they do, they're literally Hitler anyway.