The Impact of IT on Social Issues: A Study of Gender Inequality and Fake News

Abstract

In the digital era, understanding the complex interplay between information technology (IT), social issues, and business outcomes is crucial for navigating the post-pandemic landscape. This dissertation investigates two key domains: the spread of fake news and gender inequality in online environments. By providing insights into the mechanisms driving these phenomena, this study aims to inform policy and practice, fostering a more inclusive and well-informed society in the digital age. The first domain examines the role of the availability heuristic and user involvement in the spread of fake news. Through a randomized experiment manipulating availability and involvement, we demonstrate that high availability increases perceived believability and sharing intentions. We also find an interaction between availability and involvement, with highly involved individuals being more likely to share news featuring highly available events due to perceived believability. The second domain explores gender disparities in online workplaces, focusing on the impact of online socialization on work-related participation levels and the influence of public news featuring female prominence on women's social network characteristics. Employing a difference-in-difference approach and various matching methods, our findings reveal that participation in online social groups has a positive spillover effect on workgroup participation, particularly for female employees. Additionally, we propose an analysis plan to investigate the impact of female prominence in public news articles on gender dynamics within professional networks and organizational promotions. This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, with implications for organizations seeking to promote gender equality, combat the spread of fake news, and navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.