Question
Define astroturfing in social media
Answers
GPT-4o
Astroturfing in social media refers to the practice of creating fake grassroots movements or generating false appearances of genuine public support for a product, cause, individual, or organization. The term is derived from AstroTurf, a brand of artificial grass, implying that the support is fake or manufactured rather than organically generated by real people.
This deceitful strategy typically involves using bots, fake accounts, paid influencers, or coordinated campaigns to flood social media platforms with favorable reviews, likes, shares, or comments. The goal is to manipulate public perception, sway opinions, or create the illusion that a particular viewpoint is more popular and widely endorsed than it actually is. Astroturfing can undermine genuine public discourse, erode trust, and mislead audiences, making it a significant concern for online media integrity and transparency.
This deceitful strategy typically involves using bots, fake accounts, paid influencers, or coordinated campaigns to flood social media platforms with favorable reviews, likes, shares, or comments. The goal is to manipulate public perception, sway opinions, or create the illusion that a particular viewpoint is more popular and widely endorsed than it actually is. Astroturfing can undermine genuine public discourse, erode trust, and mislead audiences, making it a significant concern for online media integrity and transparency.