Fake Fans (wordsfromeliza.com)

The article argues that digital marketing firms can manufacture or amplify music fandom by using tactics like fake accounts and scripted social media engagement, shifting the burden of promotion away from artists. Using examples from the Billboard interview and mentions of artists on Chaotic Good Projects’ site, the writer describes how “narrative” and “UGC” campaigns aim to control online discourse and simulate organic trends. It also reflects on how algorithm-driven discovery makes genuine fan behavior harder to distinguish from promoted activity.