Buzzer (internet)

Buzzer (Indonesian: buzzer, pendengung) is an Indonesian word used to refer to a person who works to "buzz" certain messages or perspectives with regards to a certain issue, opinion, or brand, in order to make the opinion appear as common as possible.^[1][2][3][4] Buzzer attempts to influence public opinion to align with a cause. Scholars have differing opinion on how to regard buzzers in terms of their use of accounts: some argue that buzzers exclusively refer to sockpuppet operators;^[5] while others argue that buzzers may use influencer accounts, if not both.^[2] Scholars also differ over compensation: some argue that buzzers refer only to those paid by money (then known as buzzeRp);^[4] while others argue that buzzers can have non-monetary compensation such as position, social relations, patronage, as well as conviction and commitment to the cause.^[6][7]

Buzzers who are involved in the political perspectives are often referred to as political buzzer (Indonesian: buzzer politik).^[2]

See also

• 50 Cent Party
• State-sponsored Internet propaganda
• Fake news
• Troll
• Astroturfing