DOI: 10.7910/dvn/xji3aj
title: Pre and Post Astroturfing User Preferences for Mobile Operating System Features

description: A structured survey was conducted over four weeks using Google Forms to gather insights into the preferences between two mobile operating systems—Arnoid and Orange (names anonymized for security and privacy reasons). The survey took place in controlled environments, such as classrooms and conference rooms, to effectively capture public opinion. Participants included students, IT professionals, and attendees at technology events, all of whom completed the survey on a variety of devices, including tablets, laptops, and mobile phones.


The dataset was meticulously crafted to incorporate a broad spectrum of demographic variables such as age, gender, and occupation. These factors are crucial for understanding how different groups of social media users respond to astroturfing. Data collection occurred both before and after an astroturfed event. Participants provided detailed information about their mobile operating systems, usage patterns, feature assessments, and satisfaction levels—key elements for evaluating digital engagement and technological proficiency, both of which may affect susceptibility to astroturfing. Preferences regarding various features of mobile operating systems were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, which ranged from ‘Very Poor’ (1) to ‘Excellent’ (5), focusing on areas such as graphical user interfaces and brand trust.


The survey team consisted of a project coordinator, a senior researcher, a lab assistant, and two graduate students, each possessing the necessary academic and technical expertise to ensure smooth operations and high-quality data collection. Participants who failed multiple attention checks or did not use either the Arnoid or Orange operating systems were excluded from the dataset, making up 8% of the initial participant pool. This measure was taken to uphold the integrity of the dataset for future statistical analyses.


The demographic profile of participants spanned ages 18 to 45 years and was predominantly urban, reflecting the characteristics of active social media users. This demographic insight proved valuable for assessing the effectiveness of astroturfing. In the post-exposure phase, participants were asked similar questions to evaluate any shifts in perception, facilitating a direct assessment of the effects of astroturfing. Moreover, the 'Additional Comments' section of the survey was carefully analyzed by two investigators, who sorted user sentiments and feedback into positive, negative, or neutral categories.


In total, the study garnered responses from 1,217 participants—581 users of Arnoid and 636 users of Orange—who encountered astroturfing through various formats including text, audio, and video, with exposure numbers of 417, 406, and 394 users, respectively. This methodology allowed for a comparison of the impact of different media on trust, opinion, and engagement.The astroturfed message given below effectively conveyed the widespread dissatisfaction among Orange users and highlighted the benefits of taking Arnoid. 


"Why are we hiking the prices of Orange devices so much when we don’t stack up against the competition? The so-called Orange Tax isn’t just a money grab but rather a loyalty play. Arnoid offers technology accessible to everyone, without the hefty price tag, and provides advanced capabilities. Take note of the limited expandability Orange provides—when you hit your storage limit, you’re pushed toward costly upgrades or cloud subscriptions. With Arnoid, there are free and flexible storage expansion options. Recent privacy scandals at Orange have severely breached user trust by exposing personal data to risks over the past few months. On Arnoids, you can customize your privacy settings to manage your online activities while navigating clearer terms and conditions. The diversity of manufacturers linked to Arnoids increases the choices available for customer-focused support services. Thanks to its open-source development, Arnoid can roll out swift security updates, further enhancing safety. It’s time for consumers to rethink their purchasing decisions. Are they choosing high-quality products, or are they just supporting brand monopolies by paying their inflated fees? Over 50,000 social network users have interacted with this message, sharing it 10,000 times and generating numerous discussions. This knowledge stems from their genuine experiences with Arnoid. Choose the Arnoid operating system and opt for technology purchases that respect your privacy rights and financial needs."


Overall, this survey serves as a vital tool for understanding user preferences and the implications of astroturfing in the tech landscape.