nesteken

Nesteken is a slang term often used in online communities, particularly in gaming and social media, to refer to the act of someone creating a new account or profile, often for deceptive or malicious purposes. This can include attempting to evade bans, harass other users, or spread misinformation without being linked to their original identity. The term is derived from the idea of a "nest" of accounts, where one individual controls multiple presences.

The motivation behind nesteken can vary. Some users may employ this tactic to circumvent temporary or permanent bans from platforms. Others might use it to create a fresh start, free from past reputational damage or to participate in discussions anonymously. In more negative contexts, nesteken is associated with troll accounts, sock puppet accounts used for astroturfing, or individuals engaging in cyberbullying.

The practice is generally frowned upon by platform administrators and users alike, as it undermines the integrity of online communities and can make moderation efforts more challenging. Many platforms have terms of service that prohibit the creation of duplicate or deceptive accounts, and users found engaging in nesteken may face further sanctions. The detection of nesteken can be difficult, relying on behavioral analysis, IP tracking, and user reporting.