Sockpuppet

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A sock puppet in action.
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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]

Contents

[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.

[edit] External links

[edit] Footnotes

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