The Power of Online Farming

In recent times, the spread of sensational military claims on social media has become a strategic tool in international conflicts. For instance, a claim recently circulated online that six Indian jets were shot down—a statement that remains unverified but has rapidly gained attention. This phenomenon is more than mere rumor—it often reflects a coordinated information operation, sometimes referred to as online farming. Disclaimer: This blog analyzes publicly available information and media patterns. It does not confirm the validity of any specific military claims. What Is Online Farming? Online farming is the coordinated creation and amplification of content across digital platforms to influence public perception. Unlike organic viral trends, these campaigns are carefully designed to maximize visibility, affect sentiment, and shape narratives (Wardle & Derakhshan, 2017). Common techniques include: Using fake or automated accounts (bots) to post and share content. Repetition of ident...