Монгол Улсын цахим орчинд хуурмаг олон нийт үүсгэх аргын илрэл

Abstract

The rapid expansion of social media and digital communication platforms has increased the capacity to influence public opinion and shape information flows within online environments. In this context, astroturfing, defined as the artificial creation of grassroots public support, has emerged as an important issue in digital politics and information manipulation studies. This study examines the manifestations and characteristics of astroturfing in Mongolia’s digital environment through four case studies representing state institutions, government organizations, political actors, and media platforms. Using content analysis and non-participant observation methods, the research identifies several common indicators of astroturfing, including repetitive information dissemination by a limited number of accounts, coordinated sharing activities, repeated positive and negative narratives, and geographically targeted distribution patterns. The findings suggest that such coordinated digital activities may influence public perception, manipulate online discussions, and create artificial impressions of public support or opposition. The study highlights the growing importance of media literacy and the need to improve the public’s ability to recognize organized information manipulation in digital environments.