A sock puppet in the context of deception refers to a false identity created by an individual to manipulate or mislead others. This term is often used in online environments, where someone may pose as a different person to influence discussions, spread misinformation, or create a false narrative. Sock puppetry can undermine trust in online communities and social media platforms. It is commonly associated with trolling, astroturfing, and other forms of manipulative behavior that exploit anonymity to achieve specific goals, often at the expense of genuine interactions.