JonHoff's definitions

shadowboost

The selective promotion of a user on a web platform without the public being aware of it. It takes the form of unrestrained, covert, and artificial advancement of an individual over others in order to give them an unfair advantage. It involves advancing posts, profiles, opinions, videos, streams and other content from that individual to much larger than average and underinformed audiences without their knowledge or consent. It's harmful in that it's underhanded, subversive, manipulative and diverts public opinion from truths.

<half-asleep guy>: Why is my feed so full of statistical and moral falsehoods?

<awake guy>: Don't you know? It's one of countless examples of thousands of years of shadowboosting.

by JonHoff March 22, 2023