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Apr 20, 2010
Beware the ill effects of astroturfing
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MR ZAKIR Hussain's report ("When 'groundswell of opinion' is deceptive", April 10) makes for disturbing reading.
Policymakers depend on accurate public feedback to craft sound policies. Astroturfing distorts public feedback and jeopardises the policymaking process.
In an information war, truth is the first casualty.
I appreciate the efforts taken by our political leaders over the past decade to make themselves more accessible to the public through electronic media.
For busy Singaporeans, this media is certainly more convenient to use compared to face-to-face meetings.
Unfortunately, the increasing prevalence of astroturfing will cause policymakers to treat online public feedback with scepticism.
The trust between citizens and elected officials may become the second casualty because of the irresponsible actions of a few.
Han Tau Kwang
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Beware the ill effects of astroturfing
<!-- by line --><!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->
MR ZAKIR Hussain's report ("When 'groundswell of opinion' is deceptive", April 10) makes for disturbing reading.
Policymakers depend on accurate public feedback to craft sound policies. Astroturfing distorts public feedback and jeopardises the policymaking process.
In an information war, truth is the first casualty.
I appreciate the efforts taken by our political leaders over the past decade to make themselves more accessible to the public through electronic media.
For busy Singaporeans, this media is certainly more convenient to use compared to face-to-face meetings.
Unfortunately, the increasing prevalence of astroturfing will cause policymakers to treat online public feedback with scepticism.
The trust between citizens and elected officials may become the second casualty because of the irresponsible actions of a few.
Han Tau Kwang
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