The practice of acquiring fabricated or non-authentic user accounts to artificially inflate the perceived popularity of a profile on a prominent social media platform is a widespread phenomenon. This involves the transaction of money, or other forms of value, to procure these accounts, giving the impression of a larger and more engaged audience than organically exists. For example, a business might engage in this behavior to project an image of success and influence to potential customers.
The motivation behind increasing follower counts through artificial means stems from the belief that a substantial number of followers translates to greater credibility and visibility. In the nascent days of social media marketing, the sheer volume of followers was often perceived as a direct indicator of influence and market reach. Companies sought to capitalize on this perception, hoping to attract genuine followers and customers through the amplified appearance of popularity. This tactic, however, frequently leads to a diminished engagement rate, as these purchased followers are typically inactive or bots, contributing little to no meaningful interaction with the content.
