Internet manipulation is the co-optation of online digital technologies, including algorithms, social bots, and automated scripts, for commercial, social, military, or political purposes.[1] Internet and social media manipulation are the prime vehicles for spreading disinformation due to the importance of digital platforms for media consumption and everyday communication.[2] When employed for political purposes, internet manipulation may be used to steer public opinion,[3] polarise citizens,[4] circulate conspiracy theories,[5] and silence political dissidents. Internet manipulation can also be done for profit, for instance, to harm corporate or political adversaries and improve brand reputation.[6] Internet manipulation is sometimes also used to describe the selective enforcement of Internet censorship[7][8] or selective violations of net neutrality.[9]
^Woolley, Samuel; Howard, Philip N. (2019). Computational Propaganda: Political Parties, Politicians, and Political Manipulation on Social Media. Oxford University Press. ISBN978-0190931414.