How can I tell the difference between grassroots movements and astroturfing?

How can I tell the difference between grassroots movements and astroturfing?

Grassroots movements are typically initiated by the community and reflect genuine public interest, while astroturfing is a deceptive practice where organizations create a false impression of grassroots support.

What are some signs that a movement might be astroturfing?

Signs of astroturfing include overly polished messaging, lack of transparency about funding, and sudden spikes in activity that seem orchestrated rather than organic.

Can you give me examples of each?

Sure! An example of a grassroots movement is the local climate change protests organized by community members. An example of astroturfing is when a corporation funds a fake grassroots campaign to promote a product while disguising its true origin.

How can I verify if a movement is truly grassroots?

You can verify by researching the movement's origins, checking for diverse community involvement, and looking for independent media coverage.