Astroturfing- every time we read this word, the first thing that comes to our mind has to be the astroturf sheets that we have seen on football fields. However, this term has another meaning, one that has been affecting us, but not many of us have paid attention to. Astroturfing is the practice of masking the sponsors of a message or organization and make it appear as though it originates from and is supported by a grassroots participant(s). These fake grass root issues have been on the rise and are spreading on a much larger scale, thanks to the trolling world of internet.

It has become easier for various organisations to create an online movement that supports their cause and deceives the consumers into believing that it is a social issue. This issue of astroturfing has been long-standing, however, in the recent times it has become more important to be aware of this issue. We all live in a world where we want to bring about positive change. We have a social and moral responsibility to do good for the world, and most of us all work towards accomplishing this, by contributing to causes that we believe in.

However, what if the cause that you supported does not actually exist? This is the doubt that has been created with the rise in astroturfing. Because of organisations falsely claiming to fight for a cause, when the only thing they are concerned r focused on, is their profits, it becomes difficult to be sure if the good you did, actually paid off. Astroturfing has also been seen in courts and demonstration when a large group of people suddenly appear in support of a giant corporation.

The issue of astroturfing is so grave, that it has the power to affect and change world issues like Brexit, all because of a publicity stunt by a good PR firm. However, when there are grave issues, they often come with simple solutions. That is the case with astroturfing as well. So what is the way out of this world of fake causes and mock social movement? The solution is simple and complicated at the same time – due diligence.

Before you form an opinion or share a video, or simply donate to a cause, read a little more about it. Understand who is organizing it and why and most importantly make sure that you can trust the source of the news. In a time where PR firms and astroturfing are tricking you every day, being aware and informed is the only way ahead.

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By: Naina