Why are TERFs so influential to public opinion and institutions (for instance, the anti-trans shit show in the UK)? A lot of it really has to do with how information travels through the internet and how anti-trans vigilantes are able to spin tales of disinformation.

A moment of distinction: Disinfo is the willful creation of false info and misinfo is the often-unknowing sharing of false info. This distinction is important. Bad actors invent info and poison the info well and try to influence an audience to share and amplify their lies.

A moment for a definition: Media manipulation is the willful exploitation of how content and info is made, shared and consumed in order to silently influence behaviors and worldviews. It can be done with sock-puppet accounts, bots, disinfo, doxing, etc.

For instance, a TERF like Rowling (who has an audience of millions), argues that transwomen are a dangerous threat to the rights and safety of ciswomen. She implies transwomen are "men in dresses" and warns that by letting us use the toilet it will invite predators into washrooms

In order to make this argument, she relies on rhetorical strategies to pepper disinfo into an impassioned essay that will be read and shared by millions. Actual science and actual experiences of trans women no longer matter. Rowlings hot take is about to go nuclear.

Some people will spot the bullshit. Others will take this disinfo as truth and spread false ideas that trans women are perverted, predatorial, and need to be stopped. This essay will spread like a virus through social networks online and will amplify its importance and relevancy

As the relevancy of this essay skyrockets, journalists can no longer ignore it and the anti-trans disinfo will spill into the mainstream discourse. Some journalists will put it forward as a relevant truth.

Others might be critical of it. But regardless, once it hits the news it becomes an important political debate to address the “concerns” around trans rights. Our very lives are now up for debate because of a willful manipulation that's quickly picking up momentum.

As it spreads, people begin to feel real fear around trans women. It becomes a hot topic for right-wing politicians who leverage that fear to win elections. And this compels a social atmosphere where hate crimes flourish and trans women become undeniably at risk for violence.

It’s real influential and highlights oodles of issues with how we produce, share and consume content on the internet. Not everyone is literate in media practices. And not everyone cares enough to verify whether or not what they are sharing is truth or disinfo.

Addressing hate is important. But I think what’s far more important (probably) is digging in proverbial soil for the roots of the issue. In an era defined by social media, we need to think of ways to address how information is shared, manipulated, and used to shape people’s views

In other words, we need to disarm the TERF weapons instead of constantly dodging and ducking for cover when they shoot at us.