FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt)

FUD, which stands for Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt, is a strategy used to influence opinions by spreading negative or misleading information. It aims to create doubt and concern around a person, product, or idea, often to sway people's decisions or to weaken competitors. For example, it might involve highlighting potential risks or spreading rumors to make others wary. While FUD can be used honestly to warn about genuine issues, it’s often employed unfairly to undermine confidence or manipulate perceptions. Recognizing FUD helps you evaluate information more critically and make better-informed decisions.