On the surface, the Oscars’ first fan favorite vote via Twitter feels like a fun way to get audiences more involved with the Oscars, but below that surface there’s potential for highly dedicated, tech-savvy fans to create ways to “ballot stuff” the Twitter-based popularity contest.
When it comes to any sort of fan vote or user survey online, there will always be those trying to manipulate it, according to an individual who has expertise dealing with “review bombing,” or the act of people spamming a film or show’s online listing with negative reviews and ratings.
Single individuals can use multiple virtual private networks (VPNs) to influence results or large groups of fans can come from one site to another and then not return just to make an impact.