Astroturfing

Astroturfing is the practice of creating the false appearance of grassroots public support for a cause, brand, or idea — typically orchestrated by a corporation, political organization, or PR firm using fake accounts, paid commenters, or coordinated inauthentic behavior. The term derives from AstroTurf artificial grass, implying manufactured rather than organic growth. Astroturfing is a form of influence manipulation that violates platform terms of service.