What is Astroturfing?

Astroturfing is a deceptive marketing or political tactic where organized campaigns (by companies, politicians, etc.) appear to have a supposedly spontaneous “grassroots” following. The aim is to create the illusion of widespread acceptance, using fake reviews, social media comments, or “paid” supporters.

Astroturfing is the deceptive practice of concealing the sponsors of an orchestrated message or organization, making it appear to originate and be supported by others. It is a practice intended to give credibility to statements or organizations by concealing information about the source's financial backers.

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The implication behind the use of the term is that instead of a “true” or “natural” effort at the local level behind the activity in question, there is a “false” or “artificial” appearance of support.

It is increasingly recognized as a problem in social media, e-commerce, and politics.

Astroturfing can influence public opinion by flooding platforms such as political blogs, news websites, and review sites with manipulated content.

Some groups accused of astroturfing claim they are legitimately helping citizen activists make their voices heard.

Basic features:

Artificiality: Like the artificial grass (AstroTurf), this support is manufactured and does not come from real, selfless citizens.
Misleading: The goal is to manipulate public opinion, making a product, person or opinion seem more popular (or the opposite) than it actually is.
Where is it found: Very common in product reviews (e-commerce), political blogs, news sites and social media.
Corporate/Civil Use: It is used to damage the reputation of competitors or to advance agendas covertly.

As discussed in Reddit discussions , this technique aims to “baptize” an organized effort as spontaneous. Lawspot also points out the relationship of astroturfing with indirect comparative advertising and false online reviews.

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Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.