FUD

(pronounced: fud)

An acronym used in texting, online chat, instant messaging, e-mail, blogs, and newsgroup postings, it is also considered a form of online jargon or text message shorthand.

It comes from something known as the "FUD factor," which is often used by software companies. For example, if Company B launches a new product, Company A will spin the FUD factor about B's product with the goal of delaying consumers' buying decisions until Company A can turn its vaporware into a product for sale. Company A may ask questions like, "Yes, but is B's product robust?" or "Is it scaleable?" or "Is it based on the latest industry standards?" It actually means "spreading fear, uncertainty, and disinformation."

Historical perspective: The year of 2018 saw the spread of "FUD" disinformation distributed by social media platforms like Facebook which then led to people being arrested, jailed, and in some cases even killed.

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