4 Ways to Spot Big Pharmas Astroturfing and Media ManipulationBy Heather Callaghan Giant corporations and any other entities that pretty much own the entire galaxy or act as though they do have a tendency toward the chameleon behavior of astroturfing because it works so well. Astroturfing involves appearing just like a grassroots movement, but one that also hides the true wizardly sponsor and its intentions behind the curtain. It can get even more complicated with story layers a carefully constructed narrative such as a made-up group false flagging itself, co-opting by mimicking or debunking myths that werent even myths in order to sway public opinion. Astroturfing can involve simply a deceptive or purposely-controversial way to sell products, all the way up to overthrowing governments with color revolutions. All of those goals can involve the use of online comments, blogs, studies and social media to give the appearance of an organic effort with tons of support or just plain confusion that lulls the audience into belief. How far does it really go with Big Pharma? Investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson explains how to keep from getting duped by the newest in expertly deceptive propaganda techniques. She calls the prevalence of astroturfing and media manipulation a Truman Show-esque alternate reality all around you. With a probing, astute mind like hers, is it any wonder she was essentially shut down by CBS? Check out her new book: Stonewalled: My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation, and Harassment in Obamas Washington. TEDx Talk description: In this eye-opening talk, veteran investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson shows how astroturf, or fake grassroots movements funded by political, corporate, or other special interests very effectively manipulate and distort media messages. Remember to look for these four astroturfing techniques as you read online: After watching this you will never again read Wikipedia, Snopes, the news, blogs, Facebook comments, or Google results without a major guard. With just ten minutes and the tips above you too will be better at researching, spotting hidden propaganda, bots and not falling for the appearance of skeptics which could actually be pharma-funded attackers on legitimate expos. Hypnotic eye: Flickr Commons: Image provided by Karl Birrane Related: Source of background image Heather Callaghan is a natural health blogger and food freedom activist. You can see her work atNaturalBlaze.com and selfnewsPost.com. Like at Facebook. Recent posts byHeather Callaghan: Great article and video. Another great whistleblower who has her heart in the right place. Monsanto discredit this! NO GMO no Roundup or glysophate. Astro huffing seems to work great 90% of people want GMO labeled but it still has not happened. Thank you Heather. Yes, people need to know about how prevalent astroturfing is. Another sign you are on an astroturf website is that they put skeptical and science in their urls, like that somehow will make it true. For example. https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/tag/sb-277/ 