Abstract

Gendered Disinformation is a growing problem that lacks coverage in the media. We often hear of sexism, misogyny, and “fake news,” but many have not begun to understand the incredibly harmful effects of those problems combined. Gendered Disinformation is a specific type of disinformation that seeks to damage women in power by deeming them incapable of their positions through sharing sexist stereotypes and narratives. Through examing case studies involving specific female politicians and studying quantitative data, this paper seeks to understand the evolving territory of misogyny and technology. Similarly, I will be exploring what kinds of users create or share this kind of content, why others may believe it, and the ways in which one could identify a gendered post versus a political opinion.