# Purchased followers as a signal of social legitimacy | Dead Internet Theory

Dead Internet Theory: Follower counts function as social proof, so buying fake or inauthentic followers can manufacture the appearance that a person, brand, or idea already commands a real audience.

https://switchboardtechservices.com/articles/dit-purchased-followers-as-a-signal-of-social-legitimacy/

By Switchboard Tech Services · Originally published 2026-06-11

#Switchboard #Article

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Canonical URL: https://qwibbit.com/q6373

Created: 2026-10-17T00:14:23.186004+00:00

Last edited: 2026-10-17T00:14:23.186004+00:00

Board: 3

Origin: Syndicated

Original source: https://switchboardtechservices.com/articles/dit-purchased-followers-as-a-signal-of-social-legitimacy/