Darwinism and "Astroturf"

Here's a helpful concept from investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson. In an excellent TED talk, she calls it "astroturf" -- a false impression of grassroots or otherwise widespread support for an idea, cause, or product. The technique is rampant and of course the Internet is peerless in manipulating an impression of consensus to steamroll public opinion and shut down skepticism.

Attkisson identifies some "hallmarks" of astroturf and they all ring bells. First is
"inflammatory language" -...