The case of Astroturfing

Abstract

Astroturfing is a communication strategy that is used by imitation of the popular movement by presuming to be of citizen origin, in other words, astroturfing simulates citizen identity in order to gain credibility and have more effect. and pressure on power or public opinion according to the desired objectives. The instigators of this strategy use several means of communication ranging from written letters to more sophisticated means such as Web 2.0 platforms. Astroturfing has always existed but it was not as widely known or as widespread. Today, this phenomenon is of concern and arouses more interest due to the technological tools available and the permissive platforms it operates. Indeed, these means allowed a stimulation and an acceleration of these practices with astroturf voices and made the detection of these actions more difficult. Nevertheless, researchers have attempted to present methods favoring the fight against this manipulative communication strategy