I think you’re completely right. Information warfare is something new to a lot of people. I’ve been following a very credible, insightful teacher about this topic on YouTube, by the name of Ryan McBeth. I highly suggest everyone checks out his channel. He’s retired US infantry, but a current intelligence analyst and content creator who is VERY good at what he does. He’s taught me a lot about misinformation and disinformation, how it’s used, how to spot it, and how to fight it, and showing example of how governments and businesses are using it. Truly someone worth your ear.

The companies doing the advertising are totally fine with it because it creates fake peer pressure and gives potential customers a fear of missing out on what’s trending. Astroturfing is fine as long as it serves the will of the wealthy.

This is precisely what it is