Negative campaigning is a way of influencing people, often in a political context, by criticizing the opponent rather than promoting one's own policies or ideas. The term "mudslinging" is often used as a synonym for negative campaigning. Other synonyms for this strategy include "character assassination", "dirty tricks", "smear campaign", "negative advertising" or "attack ads". These tactics can include spreading false information or using fear tactics to discredit the opponent, leading to a decline in voters' trust in the political process. It is important for politicians to understand the consequences of negative campaigning and strive for respectful discourse that focuses on their own plans and policies for the future.