Astroturf and manipulation — a Tedx talk by Sharyl Attkisson

Posted By on February 10, 2015

sharylattkissonbwphotoA journalist I really respect, Sharyl Attkisson, delivered a Tedx talk a couple days ago and discussed Astroturf and manipulation of media messages as it relates to the perversion of grassroots reporting and marketing. The concept of astroturfing is to deceptively use all forms of media and social networks in order to manipulate thoughts and opinions. This is done primarily by masking those who are sponsoring or promoting their product or agenda … an is increasingly effective on the Internet.

Attkisson’s short talk is worth listening to and considering the next time you “think” the evidence regarding a product or issue is solid. (as a fan of Wikipedia, I need to remember, as she says, it is “an astroturfer’s dream come true”). 

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