Sockpuppet
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A sockpuppet, also known as a sock, is an account on a website, wiki, or forum run by someone who already has an account. Sockpuppetry may be illegal in the United States.[1]
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[edit] Purpose
Originally used as a term to describe second identities, it is now used for any account created exclusively to cause mischief or mayhem at a site without the original user being identified (IP recognition and blocking notwithstanding).
The name has also led to sites that generate such users being referred to as a "sock drawer". Clever, that.
The reasons for sock puppetry can include:
- Rigging voting results
- Rigging discussions (creating a sockpuppet who "agrees" with your argument)
- Maintaining a separate identity for privacy reasons
- Boredom
- LANCB - but returning under an assumed sock
- Wandalism
[edit] US military
The United States military is creating sock puppet accounts and proxy adresses so they can influence online social networking in pro-American directions. [2]
[edit] See also
[edit] Examples
All of the subscribers to the Howtheworldworks channel.