Fake News: Is it Made for Men or Women?

Abstract

Fake news has become an integral part of modern life. It represents a distinct genre within news discourse, characterized by manipulation and the dissemination of deceptive information through mass media. Fake news is primarily defined by elements of 'falsehood,' 'deceit,' and 'manipulation,' which underlie its close connection with both misinformation and disinformation. Those who create fake news often tailor their content to exploit the potential interests and vulnerabilities of their target audience, including gender-related themes and stereotypes to generate heightened engagement. This study aims to explore students' perceptions of gender-related aspects in fake news, such as the gender of fake news creators, readers, and the specific gender-related topics covered within fake news. The study involved a structured questionnaire designed to elicit responses that provide valuable insights into how fake news is perceived in connection with gender issues. The results of the experiment highlight the participants' overall understanding of the relationship between fake news and gender. Young people generally believe that the creation of fake news is not inherently dependent on one's gender. However, some students do recognize a tendency in fake news production where female authors are seen as more involved in creating content for women, while male authors tend to target a male audience. These preferences appear to align with certain gender-related stereotypes associated with specific fake news topics. This suggests that despite the general perception of fake news as gender-neutral, stereotypical views can still influence how fake news is understood in relation to gender.