What does Sockpuppet mean?
A deceptive online identity
Detailed Explanation
A 'sockpuppet' is a fake online account created by a person to deceive others. These accounts are used for various purposes, such as anonymously praising one's own work, creating the illusion of grassroots support for an opinion (astroturfing), circumventing a ban, or attacking opponents without using one's main identity. It is a fundamentally deceptive practice.
Usage Examples
“The author was caught using a sockpuppet account to leave five-star reviews on his own book.”
“He got banned, but he just came back with a new sockpuppet.”
“It's obvious that all those supportive comments are coming from his sockpuppets.”
Origin & History
The term 'sockpuppet' was first recorded in this context in 1999. The metaphor is of a puppeteer (the real person) making a hand puppet (the fake account) 'talk' to create a false identity. It quickly became a standard term for this type of online deception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sockpuppet the same as an anonymous account?
No. An anonymous account is simply one that doesn't reveal the user's real-life identity. A sockpuppet is specifically an additional, deceptive account used by someone who already has a primary identity on the platform.