The research, led by the TECNOEDUC research group at USC, surveyed over 1,000 individuals and is part of the DESVELA-VX project, focusing on disinformation, sexual deepfakes, and digital gender-based violence. The findings were presented by professors Lorena Casal-Otero and Carmen Fernández-Morante at the first scientific meeting of USC's Institute of Educational Sciences (ICE).
The data indicates that 91% of respondents are exposed to false, manipulated, or AI-generated content. Although 82% consider sexual deepfakes serious and a crime, only half can detect AI-generated content, and a minority (14.4%) are aware of reporting channels. The researchers highlighted that this content affects individuals unequally, with higher incidence among students and LGBTI individuals, who also experience more digital violence.
Lack of trust in the system (69.7%), shame or fear (42.4%), and not knowing where to turn (30.3%) are the primary reasons why victims do not report or seek help.
In response to this issue, the research group advocates for training in critical literacy regarding AI and gender disinformation. They also emphasize the need to publicize USC's resources, such as the Equality Office and the AEPD, and to rebuild trust with victims through agile responses that do not re-victimize, with a particular focus on students and LGBTI individuals.
The DESVELA-VX project aims to generate scientific-technical impact with the first comprehensive diagnosis of gender disinformation and sexual deepfakes in the Galician university system; social and preventive impact, by providing open tools to combat digital sexual violence; and institutional impact, by improving victim support and USC's protocols.
The project is funded by the Research Grants from the University of Santiago de Compostela, within the framework of the State Pact against Gender Violence. The findings were presented at the ICE's first scientific meeting, an international conference addressing current educational challenges and future perspectives in educational research, with participation from specialists from universities in Spain, Portugal, and Slovenia.
