File:Sock_puppet_and_keyboard.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
sockpuppet
Sign in to saveAlso known as sock puppet, sockpuppets, sock puppets, sockpuppetry
online identity used for purposes of deception
Wikidata facts
- Image
- Sockie hat eine Maus gefangen.JPG
- Has use
- Internet
Show 1 more fact
- facet of
- user account
Sources (1)
via Wikidata · CC0
~12 min read
Encyclopedic overview
In Internet terms, sock puppets are online identities used for disguised activity by the operator. A sock puppet, sock puppet account, or simply sock is a false online identity used for deceptive purposes. The term originally referred to a hand puppet made from a sock. Sock puppets include online identities created to praise, defend, or support a person or organization, to manipulate public opinion, or to circumvent restrictions such as viewing a social media account that a user is blocked from. Sock puppets are unwelcome in many online communities and forums.
History
Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “sockpuppet” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.