Heh, I've always called this the map makers trick (found an article about it here: https://theweek.com/article/index/241967/trap-streets-the-cr...) although I guess that is specific to putting a small amount of fake data in your dataset to prove someone else used it. The hellbanning metaphor does fit for return large amounts of poison results.
It could be like spiking trees I guess, but that depends on the potential for harm. I just looked it up and was surprised to find that only one injury has ever been reported due to tree spiking. I guess it's a better talking point than actual tactic.
And like lukejduncan said, this is definitely done in practice.
The point of spiking trees isn't to hurt people, in fact the tree-huggers tell the loggers that the trees have been spiked so that they won't attempt to cut the trees. The point of the tactic is to prevent damage to the forest, not to actually hurt anyone.
It could be like spiking trees I guess, but that depends on the potential for harm. I just looked it up and was surprised to find that only one injury has ever been reported due to tree spiking. I guess it's a better talking point than actual tactic.
And like lukejduncan said, this is definitely done in practice.