Doing my best to keep this from getting political, but it does amaze me how many people fail to recognize a psyop even after it punches them in the nose. I’ve seen two big ones and some smaller ones pop up recently, and am amazed in some respects at how many seem to be swallowing them hook, line, and sinker. Sadly, not surprised at some given that I strongly suspect they are paid for their efforts.
First up, if the same message pops up on multiple influencer accounts, usually with similar personalization, it’s not organic. It is most likely bought and paid for in one coin or another. Also, another hint is if said message is about the break-up of a political movement and how the anticipated front-runner in the next election is really a bad person and unworthy of the office they hold (much less the one they are likely to seek), and it comes just days after political victories for said movement and politician, well, it’s not organic.
Also, if it is the exact same message word for word on hundreds or even thousands of accounts, it’s a bot farm. I sincerely hope X does start putting flags of the real locations of accounts (and noting who uses VPNs like I do) on profiles as it will be fun to see how many so-called influencers actually are located in the Middle East and other interesting locations, and are not strong American patriots. I have said it before and will say it again, I think the engagement payments were one of the worst things to happen (amid a lot of good) to X. I also wonder how many Paki and other bot farms they have funded.
For the record: I am not a bot, Paki or otherwise. I am a Lupine Sapien from Wolf 579, and find the suggestions that I am a reticulated pythonoid from Antares most insulting. As if! (Sniff)
Second, follow the money. Look at who is leading the charge, and do a bit of research on the people and accounts. Lot of interesting connections out there, and thanks to the work of Data_republican and Mike Benz (see links upper right) a lot of connections have been laid bare. You really need to follow those two as what they post is data-driven and they post their data. Safe bet is that anyone who won’t let you see the data is a fraud.
Third, look at other signs that something might not be organic. If the ‘spontaneous’ protest has professionally printed signs, much less clothing and merchandise, it’s not spontaneous. There is a lead time for commercial printing, and if something happens and there is a protest literally the next day with professional signs, someone knew about the event in advance. It really is amusing how many recent protests have had professional branding from messages and signs down to music. Not organic.
Then again, one of my favorite signs is that the rent-a-crowd business isn’t what it used to be. A number of protests rather dramatically dropped in size after supposedly non-related funding got cut. I’ve had to laugh at several where once the protesters were no longer getting paid, they downed signs in stacks and then walked away. Almost feel sorry for the bus rental businesses, as that business has taken a hit as well. It is also interesting to see the same protestors now at different cities and different events across the country. Think about this paragraph for a minute, and if you see those things, what is going on is not organic.
One final thing to look for is who is supporting a message or such that would not normally do so. For example, if you suddenly see Russia Today, Iran, China, or others sharing the message on something in America or Europe, might want to think about what they are supporting — and why. When enemies of a country start endorsing (directly or indirectly) messages and people from within that country, you might want to take a very close look at what is being shared or endorsed.
There are a few other signs, but these get you going in spotting most non-organic psyops, online or in the real world. The truly sad thing for me is how many otherwise reasonable people fall for part of such, and end up giving credence to the whole thing directly or indirectly. It happens, and any of us (including me) have probably fallen for such over the years. Then again, once bitten twice shy comes into play there. Pay attention, apply some logic and reason, and view anything political with skepticism.
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