The Real "Fake News"

Jeffrey Wolfe
jw939417@ohio.edu

Astroturfing is a big problem.

No, I'm not talking about leg injuries of football players that play on AstroTurf. I'm talking about individuals, groups, or companies who hide their motives behind advertisements and deceptions that appear to have grassroots support.

According to a Business Insider article, the term "astroturfing" was first used by U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas in 1985. Grassroots movements throughout history have always been powerful, and those that are unable to find the same masses to support their cause are using this method to mislead others into believing support is there.

In most cases, fear of losing money is the "why" companies take this approach.

Big Corporations Have Tried

The same Business Insider article referenced earlier shares some examples of big corporations attempting to mislead the public through the use of astroturfing. Highlighting two below from the article, I was astonished to what ends corporations would go for the all mighty dollar.

• 2010 legislation in Australia banning logos on cigarette packaging was challenged by "small businesses" who would be hurt by the change. The group was later found to be financed by Big Tobacco companies like Phillip Morris International.

•  At a 2008 FCC hearing on neutrality, Comcast paid people off the street to attend, clap and cheer during the Comcast VP presentation. Filling the seats with fake supporters kept those opposed out of the room.

This type of deception is also happening in advertising, creating billboards, websites and fake Twitter accounts all in the hope of growing support that isn't actually there.

Example of an astroturfing website  |  Source: hootville

Big Corporations are Trying Harder

As reported by The Guardian in 2011, companies have begun using "persona management software." This creates online identities with names, email accounts, web and social media accounts, and keeps the accounts active by interacting with users.

The article goes on state how the "...US Air Force has been tendering for companies to supply it with persona management software...". I could not write the authors following statement any better to share the severity this has:

"Software like this has the potential to destroy the internet as a forum for constructive debate. It jeopardizes the notion of online democracy."

What's the Solution?

It's not a perfect solution, but when these types of actions are found out to be true, there must be stiffer penalties for misleading the public.

There will always be staged situations or a company trying to sell you their perspective. However, knowingly misleading the public to believe in a truth that is not there should be a crime with serious consequences.

This is just another tool in our current online society that is dividing our nation and the world.