Astroturfing is the practice of masking the
sponsors of a message or organization (
e.g., political, advertising, religious or
public relations) to make it appear as though it originates from and is supported by
grassroots participant(s). It is a practice intended to give the statements or organizations more credibility by withholding information about the source's financial connection. The term
astroturfing is a derivation of
AstroTurf, a brand of synthetic carpeting designed to look like natural grass, a play on the word "grassroots." The implication behind the use of the term is that there are no "true" or "natural" grassroots, but rather "fake" or "artificial" support, though some astroturfing operatives defend the practice (see
Justification below).
On the Internet, astroturfers use software to mask their identity. Sometimes one individual operates over many personas to give the impression of widespread support for their client's agenda.
[1][2] Some studies suggest astroturfing can alter public viewpoints and create enough doubt to inhibit action.
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- I've never heard that term before. He frequents more tech forums than I do and apparently he's pretty familiar with the concept. He showed me this definition from wikipedia:
. I had never heard or read the term when DH said it to me earlier today
