The Deceptive Practice of Astroturfing

 Elly Merrit

em489621@ohio.edu

    The invention of the Internet has been a wonderful gift for mankind. As with any good inventions there are also those waiting to profit from the new experience. The Internet "is also bonanza for corporate lobbyists viral markets, government spin doctors, who can operate without regulation, accountability or fear of detection".  Everyday these operations grow more sophisticated, effective, and dangerous. Astroturfing is the deliberate attempt to manipulate public opinion through deceptive practices. 

    The ability to create false identities and maintain anonymity has provide companies with an avenue to run Astroturf operations. Astroturfing benefits creators. They establish web campaigns that present the idea that large numbers of people are revolting or opposing a particular event or policy. Let's look at a few examples of how Astroturfing may appear. The logo for the National Wetland Coalition suggests an environmental friendly organization however, the NWC is a front group that opposes federal policies that regulate the development of United States wet lands. This so called coalition receives it's funding from oil companies and real-estate developers.  

NWC

        The Center For Food Integrity is a industry funded organization aiming to promote consumers trust for processed foods, food additives and antibiotics in meat. The direct opposite of what would be expected from a organization on food integrity. It is not always easy to see what a companies motive really is. The American Council on Science and Health receives funding from chemical companies, e cigarette manufacturers and fracking corporations. This group is a pure straight up opposition to science and health. On their website they provide a wide range of articles that may remind a person of the headlines on the "National Enquirer." The titles include "Pesticides Negate Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables Consumption? No" also "Is the EPA Really Following the Science on Form aldehyde? and last " Oreology: A Study of Oreo's Stuffing." If a person decides to read one of these articles, they learn nothing. 

        Astroturfing is not limited to the website, they often obtain questionable experts to testify to their cause. Also organizations may hire fake protesters or advocate to create the illusion of support. Fake websites, fake advocate, fake experts, fake protesters can affect real world change and do real damage. Astroturfing is dangerous and can cause people to be mislead with false information.