What is shilling?

Shilling refers to the act of promoting or recommending a product, service, or a person for personal or financial gain without disclosing the fact that the promotion is paid. It is often referred to as "fake reviewing" or "astroturfing" and is considered a deceptive marketing tactic. Shilling can occur in various forms, including through social media posts, online reviews, blogs, and forums. Businesses or individuals may engage in shilling to manipulate public opinion and boost their reputation or sales. However, shilling is unethical and illegal in many places. It misleads consumers by providing them with biased information and violates the principle of transparency in advertising. It is important to be vigilant and skeptical of any promotional content and to seek out unbiased sources of information before making a purchase or decision.