Astroturfing, a subtle form of online manipulation, is to create false popular movements to influence public opinion. In Africa, this phenomenon is gaining momentum with campaigns to shape political and social debates.
What is Astroturfing?
Unlike an authentic popular movement, these campaigns are orchestrated behind the scenes to give the impression that ideas or actions are spontaneously supported by a large audience. This often results in false accounts on social networks, bots or sponsored publications disguised.
Astroturfing on the African continent
In Africa, Astroturfing has taken various forms, especially in the political and media field. Recent case studies in Burkina Faso and Ghana reveal the involvement of media and external groups in the manipulation of public opinion.
In Burkina Faso, pro-Russian online media have disseminated false or oriented information to influence the perception of local political events, creating growing polarization among citizens. Likewise, in Ghana, a network of people was arrested for trying to influence support for a foreign paramilitary group.
These examples show that Astroturfing is not just a simple online manipulation, but a real geopolitical weapon used to destabilize regions by playing on nationalist, ethnic or political feelings.
Fight against Astroturfing: tools and initiatives
Education of media and development of critical thinking to counter Astroturfing, it is crucial that African youth develops a critical spirit in the face of the information it receives, in particular on social networks. It is essential to know how to identify the signs of an Astroturfing campaign, such as sudden and massive movements of online support from doubtful accounts or unspecified information circulating quickly.
Fact-checking and regulation of platforms Local Fact-Checking initiatives, such as Africa Check, Dubawa, Congo Check, Eduk Media play a key role in verification of information. In addition, social media platforms must improve their transparency by clearly identifying sponsored or coordinated content and by more effectively moderating abusive behavior.
Mobilization of governments and NGOs African governments and NGOs must strengthen their cooperation to identify and neutralize Astroturfing campaigns. Online content regulation policies, while respecting freedom of expression, can limit the impact of these manipulations
Astroturfing is a serious threat to the integrity of public debates in Africa. He distorts perceptions, polarizes societies and mine confidence in the media and institutions. For connected African youth, vigilance is required. By developing critical mind and turning to reliable sources of information, it is possible to counter this insidious manipulation.
