shill
/ʃɪl/
Definition
A person who acts as an accomplice to a company or organization by publicly endorsing its products or policies, usually while deceptively pretending to be an unbiased third party.
Etymology
The word originated in the early 20th century, likely as a shortening of the term 'shillaber,' which referred to a carnival worker who acted as a decoy to entice onlookers to play a game. It evolved to describe anyone who provides a dishonest or hidden endorsement for commercial gain.
In the news
Candice Odgers mentions being accused of being a 'shill' for big tech companies because her research findings challenge the popular narrative that social media is the primary cause of the adolescent mental health crisis. This accusation is used by critics to undermine her scientific credibility by implying she has a hidden financial motive.
The social media ban sceptic: are we getting it wrong on kids, tech and mental health?
Read the full article ↗The Guardian