Fake Members for Community Growth: Smart Strategy or Risky Move?

[AltairX]

Starting a new forum can be tough, especially when it feels like no one wants to be the first to join the conversation. Some people create fake members to populate discussions and make the forum look more active.
Is this a good way to to get things rolling, or does it undermine the trust and authenticity of the community? Have you seen this strategy work, or do you think it’s more likely to backfire in the long run?
What are your thoughts?

 

[Teegold]

Using this strategy is kinda understandable. It is easier for new members to join in making the forums active rather than being the ones to initiate the activities.
Maybe a few fake members to initiate discussions is not bad

 

[Nomad]

I think it is a smart strategy, I do it. It is difficult to get users when your forum has just one user (i.e. you). However, once you get real members, your fake members need to retire.

 

[King Belieal]

I don't think it is a smart strategy to have fake accounts on your forum. Some real users might end up feeling disappointed that they were busy engaging with fake users at a time. I have seen people dump a forum because of that.

 

[Aragon Burner]

I agree with King. I don't think that using fake users helps anyone or is beneficial in the long term. If members ever discovered they were fake then I can imagine them feeling very angry and disappointed over it.

 

[Menaka]

Using fake members for community growth is a risky move. While it may boost numbers initially, it can undermine credibility, hurt user trust, and attract the wrong audience. Genuine, organic growth through engaging content and active moderation is far more sustainable and beneficial in the long run.

 

[Henrywrites]

Using fake members for community growth is a risky move. While it may boost numbers initially, it can undermine credibility, hurt user trust, and attract the wrong audience. Genuine, organic growth through engaging content and active moderation is far more sustainable and beneficial in the long run.

It is better to have organic members than fake ones. Those who don't even know the reason they joined a community. It is highly risky and not what I will advise anyone to do at all. It is not always going to end well at all.