Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Cristian Haidău
Author-Email: Cristian.Haidau.21@drd.snspa.ro
Author-Workplace-Name: National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Title: Astroturfing și războiul psihologic pe Facebook: grile de verificare a conturilor false
Abstract: Astroturfing is a sophisticated form of psychological warfare and informational
manipulation, where coordinated networks of fake accounts create the illusion of genuine
public support for specific political, economic, or social narratives. In the context of hybrid
warfare, this strategy has become a crucial tool used by both state and non-state actors
to influence public perceptions, destabilize societies, and undermine democratic processes.
Its impact on national security is significant, as it erodes a population’s ability to
distinguish between real and fabricated information, thereby reducing resilience to
manipulation and propaganda.
This study examines the impact of astroturfing on public opinion, identifies the
psychological mechanisms exploited in such campaigns, and proposes a methodological
framework for detecting suspicious accounts involved in these activities. Two
identification grids for fake Facebook accounts have been developed: an extensive grid
with 34 criteria for in-depth analysis and a simplified grid with 10 key indicators, designed
for quick and accessible use by regular users. These grids are based on observable
behavioral patterns and technical characteristics that may indicate potential
manipulative activity. The application of these criteria to a set of suspicious accounts has
validated the relevance of each indicator within the current digital ecosystem.
The paper highlights the crucial role of media literacy and appropriate
regulations in combating this phenomenon but places particular emphasis on critical
thinking as the primary means of resilience against manipulation. In an era where
information warfare plays a central role in influence strategies, the ability of individuals
to critically analyze and evaluate the information they consume is a key factor in national
security and societal stability.
Classification-JEL: D83, L82, F52
Keywords: astroturfing, psychological warfare, national security, informational manipulation, fake accounts, social networks, disinformation
Journal: Intelligence și cultura de securitate
Pages: 59-90
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Year: 2025
File-URL: https://www.animv.ro/RePEc/mvn/incsec/ICS_1_2025_4_59-90.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:mvn:incsec:v:4:y:2025:i:1:p:59-90