Within the scope of social media and perception management; manipulation, disinformation and propaganda in X: An investigation on fake accounts and operational accounts opened in the name of opinion pioneers

With the development of internet technology, radical changes have occurred; But the real change and transformation started with Web 2.0 interactive internet. Web 2.0 technology, which paved the way for the formation of social networks, has changed the way individuals receive news and communicate. The opportunities offered by social media have enabled individuals to see social media as an attractive tool. However, as the number of users increased, the popularity of social media also increased, and every individual, institution or organization that wanted to be visible felt the need to be on social platforms. Social media platforms; While it is used by governments, politicians, statesmen or journalists; It is also inevitable for individuals to open accounts and share posts on behalf of thought leaders in order to impose their own ideas and opinions. The fact that social media is cheap, fast, easy to use and flexible against restrictions for fake accounts has made it easier to exploit this area. In addition, those associated with terrorist organizations and themselves in the social media structure; Operational accounts disguised as "Islamist, Turkist, Kemalist, Socialist, Idealist" also manipulate public opinion by veiling local and national accounts on Twitter and highlighting pro-FETO, PKK and opposition accounts. This study examines the fake accounts and operational accounts opened in the name of opinion leaders on X, one of the social media platforms; Manipulation, disinformation, misinformation and propaganda practices are revealed using the critical discourse analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods, and the social media perception management techniques of these fake accounts are explained. When the findings are examined; operational and fake accounts use perception management processes effectively and these accounts use social media; It is seen that he uses it for purposes such as discrediting, provoking, creating fear and indignation. Keywords: Social media, Perception management, Disinformation, Manipulation, Propaganda, Opinion pioneers.