Gendered disinformation in Spanish-language fact-checking: origin, methodology, and perspectives

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/emp.96379
Keywords: Disinformation, social media, polarization, journalistic ethics, news quality

Abstract

The recent surge in disinformation targeting gender themes poses a substantial threat to women’s equality in democratic systems. This study investigates the efforts of three fact-checking platforms prominent in Ibero-America (Maldita.es and Newtral in Spain and Chequeado in Argentina) in countering antifeminist fake news. Employing a dual methodology, we conducted a content analysis of pieces published on gender issues over one year and semi-structured interviews with representatives from these platforms. The findings unveil a consistent production of texts addressing contemporary feminist affairs. Disinformers target both the feminist movement and its historical grievances, including gender-based violence. Fact checks emerge as the primary format for combating these hoaxes, with explainers gaining against increasingly complex disinformation narratives. The verification methodology emphasizes consulting official sources and expert testimony. Interviewees acknowledge that there is still much progress to be made in gender-related fact-checking.

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Author Biographies

Marta Pérez Pereiro, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela

Marta Pérez Pereiro is senior lecturer in the Department of Communication Sciences at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC). With a PhD from the same university, she teaches in the area of Audiovisual Communication and Advertising, subjects such as Film Production and Contemporary Audiovisual Culture. Pérez-Pereiro is a member of the Grupo de Estudos Audiovisuais (GEA). Her main research topics are small cinematographies, particularly Galician cinema, gender and media, media accountability, and humor in communication.

Victoria Moreno Gil, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Victoria Moreno-Gil holds a Ph.D. in Journalism (2019). She is an associate professor at the Communication and Media Studies Department at Carlos III University, and at the School of Communication and Arts of Nebrija University (Madrid). Her research focuses on journalism ethics, media accountability, and media literacy. Recently, she is also doing research on journalism and artificial intelligence as well as journalism and gender equality. She combines a research career with professional journalism working as a multimedia editor for the Spanish news agency EFE.

Francesc Salgado de Dios, Universidad Pompeu Fabra

Francesc Salgado-de Dios is a member of the POLCOM-GRP at the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona. Professor at UPF (2006-2021) and doctor in Communication (2009). His main lines of research are Information ethics and accountability, History of Journalism (20th century) and Journalism and Gender.

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Published
2024-09-26
How to Cite
Pérez Pereiro M., Moreno Gil V. y Salgado de Dios F. . (2024). Gendered disinformation in Spanish-language fact-checking: origin, methodology, and perspectives. Estudios sobre el Mensaje Periodístico, 30(3), 477-487. https://doi.org/10.5209/emp.96379
Issue
Vol. 30 No. 3 (2024)
Section
Research and Documents

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In order to support the global exchange of knowledge, the journal Estudios sobre el Mensaje Periodístico is allowing unrestricted access to its content as from its publication in this electronic edition, and as such it is an open-access journal. The originals published in this journal are the property of the Complutense University of Madrid and any reproduction thereof in full or in part must cite the source. All content is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 use and distribution licence (CC BY 4.0). This circumstance must be expressly stated in these terms where necessary. You can view the summary and the complete legal text of the licence.