Sock puppet account

A sock puppet, sock puppet account, or simply sock is a false online identity used for deceptive purposes.^[1] The term originally referred to a hand puppet made from a sock. Sock puppets include online identities created to praise, defend, or support a person or organization,^[2] to manipulate public opinion,^[3] or to circumvent restrictions such as viewing a social media account that a user is blocked from. Sock puppets are unwelcome in many online communities and forums.

^ "Sock puppet Definition & Meaning". Merriam-Webster. July 9, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
^ Stone, Brad; Richtel, Matt (July 16, 2007). "The Hand That Controls the Sock Puppet Could Get Slapped". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 4, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
^ Elsner, K. (November 28, 2013). "China Uses an Army of Sockpuppets to Control Public Opinion – and the US Will Too". Guardian Liberty Voice. Archived from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2019.

[1] "Sock puppet Definition & Meaning". Merriam-Webster. July 9, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.

[2] Stone, Brad; Richtel, Matt (July 16, 2007). "The Hand That Controls the Sock Puppet Could Get Slapped". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 4, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2017.

[3] Elsner, K. (November 28, 2013). "China Uses an Army of Sockpuppets to Control Public Opinion – and the US Will Too". Guardian Liberty Voice. Archived from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2019.

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