Shill

The internet slang term “shill” refers to someone who pretends to be a satisfied customer or an enthusiastic supporter of a product, service, or idea, usually on online platforms or forums. Shills are often employed by companies or individuals to promote their own interests or manipulate public opinion, while disguising their true intentions or affiliations.

Examples:

During a discussion about a new gaming console, a user may accuse another user of being a shill if they continuously praise one particular brand and dismiss any criticism, even if it is valid. The accuser suspects that the enthusiastic user might have ulterior motives, such as being paid or affiliated with the console’s manufacturer.

In a political debate on social media, someone might claim that a certain user is a shill for a specific candidate if they consistently post positive content and defend the candidate’s actions without acknowledging any flaws or criticisms. The accuser believes that the user is pretending to be an unbiased supporter while actually being paid or associated with the candidate’s campaign.