Astroturfing

Definition

Astroturfing is the practice of creating a deceptive appearance of grassroots support for a cause, organization, or political movement, often funded or orchestrated by an entity with a vested interest. This tactic aims to manipulate public perception by making it seem as though a movement has widespread, authentic backing when it is actually manufactured. By disguising the true sponsors, astroturfing can undermine genuine public discourse and mislead audiences about the level of real support for an issue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Astroturfing can involve fake social media accounts or websites that present misleading information as if it came from ordinary citizens.
2. It is often used in political campaigns to sway public opinion by creating the illusion of broad grassroots support.
3. Companies may use astroturfing to counter negative publicity or to promote their products under the guise of consumer advocacy.
4. Astroturfing can damage the credibility of legitimate advocacy efforts by causing skepticism about real grassroots movements.
5. Legislation and regulations around astroturfing are limited, making it a challenging issue in media ethics and accountability.

Review Questions

• How does astroturfing influence public perception and what ethical concerns arise from its use?
  • Astroturfing influences public perception by creating a false sense of grassroots support for various issues, which can manipulate how people view those issues. The ethical concerns include the potential for deception and the undermining of genuine advocacy efforts. It can lead to mistrust among audiences who may become skeptical of all grassroots movements, including legitimate ones, thereby complicating informed decision-making in democratic processes.
• Evaluate the role of astroturfing in shaping political campaigns and its impact on voter behavior.
  • Astroturfing plays a significant role in shaping political campaigns by presenting a façade of widespread public support for candidates or policies that may not actually exist. This manipulation can sway undecided voters who might be influenced by perceived popular opinion. As a result, astroturfing can distort democratic engagement, where decisions are made based on manufactured consensus rather than informed debate and authentic voter sentiment.
• Analyze the long-term effects of astroturfing on public trust in media and civic engagement.
  • The long-term effects of astroturfing on public trust in media can be detrimental, leading to widespread skepticism toward both media sources and civic movements. As audiences become aware of astroturfing tactics, they may start questioning the authenticity of all grassroots campaigns, which can reduce civic engagement overall. This erosion of trust can result in apathy toward political processes and a disengaged electorate that is less likely to participate meaningfully in democratic systems.

Related terms

public relations: The strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.

disinformation: Deliberately misleading or biased information spread with the intent to deceive and manipulate public opinion.

lobbying:

The act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials, often through direct interaction with lawmakers and their staff.