Astroturfing
Concealing the sponsor of a coordinated campaign so it looks like spontaneous public opinion.
Full definition of Astroturfing →:: COMPARE ::
AstroturfingvsSockpuppetry
The short answer
Sockpuppetry is a technique — fake identities. Astroturfing is a campaign structure — hidden sponsorship. You can astroturf with entirely real, entirely sincere people, provided nobody says who is paying.
Side by side
| Aspect | Astroturfing | Sockpuppetry |
|---|---|---|
| Is a | Campaign | Technique |
| Needs fake people | No | Yes |
| The deception | Who funded it | Who is speaking |
| Scale | Organised | Can be one person |
What each one means
Sockpuppet
A false online identity used to fake independence — voting, vouching or arguing on behalf of its operator while pretending to be a stranger.
Full definition of Sockpuppet →