Perception of Deepfakes among Bangladeshi Women

TL;DR

This study explores how Bangladeshi women perceive deepfake technology, revealing cultural, social, and trust factors that influence their awareness and responses, thereby informing culturally sensitive interventions and policies.

Contribution

It provides novel insights into perceptions of deepfakes among women in the Global South, highlighting socio-cultural influences often overlooked in prior research.

Findings

Cultural values and gender norms shape perceptions of deepfakes.

Trust in institutions affects awareness and concern levels.

Digital harassment influences coping mechanisms.

Abstract

As deepfake technology becomes more accessible, concerns about its misuse and societal impact are escalating, particularly in regions like the Global South where digital literacy and regulatory measures are often limited. While previous research has explored deepfakes in contexts such as detection and media manipulation, there is a noticeable gap in understanding how individuals in these regions perceive and interact with deepfake media. This study addresses this gap by investigating how Bangladeshi women perceive deepfakes and the socio-cultural factors influencing their awareness, concerns, and responses to this technology. Drawing on 15 semi-structured interviews, we uncover how cultural values, gendered norms, trust in institutions, and the prevalence of digital harassment shape their perceptions and coping mechanisms. Through this research, we aim to advance existing scholarship in HCI by offering insights into the design of culturally sensitive interventions, educational initiatives, and policy frameworks to address the challenges posed by deepfakes in the Global South.