GENDER ASPECTS OF INFORMATION DISORDER

Abstract

The aim of this article is to outline the aspects of information disorder that are recognised in academic and professional literature as specifically gendered, with particular attention to disinformation tactics and manipulations aimed at undermining women (in politics), as well as those whose gender identity cannot be readily categorised within the traditional gender binary. While it is true that gender disinformation is an important aspect of most orchestrated disinformation campaigns against women or people with other gender and/or sexual identities, this paper also addresses other types of information disorder such as misinformation and malinformation. Furthermore, it presents actors recognised in the literature as well as contexts that generate gender discriminatory information and media spaces, and provides several examples that illustrate the specific impact of gendered aspects of information disorder that constitute forms of gender-based violence online or offline. Finally, suggestions and insights are given on ways to prevent and deal with this form of information disorder, focusing on the role of factcheckers for gender disinformation.