The truth gap: how misinformation and disinformation online affect the lives, learning and leadership of girls and young women
Surrey:
Plan International
(2021), 46 pp., illustr., diagr.
"We surveyed over 26,000 girls and young women in 26 countries. 91% of girls and young women surveyed are concerned about misinformation and/or disinformation online. 40% of those surveyed are extremely or very concerned. Misinformation and disinformation are having a negative impact on 87% of the girls and young women we surveyed. 46% of girls feel sad, depressed, stressed, worried or anxious as a result of online misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation and disinformation restrict girls’ activism: 1 out of 4 girls feel less confident to share their views; 1 out of 5 girls stop engaging in politics or current affairs. 7 out of 10 girls and young women have never been taught about how to spot misinformation/disinformation at school or by family members. There was no single online source of information that the majority of girls and young women surveyed actually trusted." (Key findings, p.6)
Contents
Key findings, 6
Introduction, 8
Setting the Scene, 10
Applying a gender lens: misinformation and disinformation in the lives of adolescent girls and young women, 11
Prevalence and spread of misinformation and disinformation, 13
Online platforms taking action, 14
Listening in, 16
What We Have Learned, 18
1. The importance of social media and online connectivity to girls and young women, 19
2. Girls and young women use both traditional media sources and social media for information and learning online, 21
3. Girls and young women are wary of online sources and concerned about misinformation and disinformation, 24
4. Misinformation and disinformation are restricting girls’ and young women’s lives and having a negative effect on their mental health, 27
5. Girls and young women can struggle to identify false information online and would benefit from digital media literacy guidance, 29
6. Girls and young women want change: governments, social media companies, and traditional news and media need to step up, 32
Programme and Practice, 34
Conclusion, 36
Recommendations, 38
Methodology, 43
Introduction, 8
Setting the Scene, 10
Applying a gender lens: misinformation and disinformation in the lives of adolescent girls and young women, 11
Prevalence and spread of misinformation and disinformation, 13
Online platforms taking action, 14
Listening in, 16
What We Have Learned, 18
1. The importance of social media and online connectivity to girls and young women, 19
2. Girls and young women use both traditional media sources and social media for information and learning online, 21
3. Girls and young women are wary of online sources and concerned about misinformation and disinformation, 24
4. Misinformation and disinformation are restricting girls’ and young women’s lives and having a negative effect on their mental health, 27
5. Girls and young women can struggle to identify false information online and would benefit from digital media literacy guidance, 29
6. Girls and young women want change: governments, social media companies, and traditional news and media need to step up, 32
Programme and Practice, 34
Conclusion, 36
Recommendations, 38
Methodology, 43
