Navigating Deepfakes: Exposure, Perception, and Digital Literacy in Taiwan

Trisha T. C. Lin, Ph.D.

Distinguished Professor, College of Communication &; Director in Master’s Program in Global Communication &; Innovation Technology, National Chengchi University, Taiwan Address: No. 64, Sec. 2, ZhiNan Rd., Wenshan District, Taipei City 11605, Taiwan

Email: trishlin@nccu.edu.tw

This talk presents findings from a web-based survey investigating how Taiwanese online video users engage with deepfakes, focusing on three key behavioral outcomes: exposure, detection, and sharing. Study 1 identifies the types of deepfake content encountered, difficulties in detection, and the motivations behind sharing such content. It also analyzes how demographic and political orientation variables influence user engagement. Study 2 employs the Stimulus-Reasoning-Orientation-Response (SROR) model to explore how deepfake exposure and interaction shape authentication and correction behaviors, particularly in the lead-up to Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election. Findings reveal that exposure can reduce echo chamber effects but increase conspiracy thinking, which in turn promotes proactive verification and correction. Deepfake self-efficacy emerges as a significant predictor of these actions. Study 3 draws on the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) to examine how perceived threat (i.e., severity and susceptibility) and self-efficacy influence users’ coping strategies when facing deepfake content. Collectively, the studies provide empirical insights into the psychological and sociopolitical drivers of deepfake-related behaviors and suggest practical pathways for strengthening digital literacy and disinformation resilience.

Bio
Dr. Trisha T. C. Lin is the Distinguished Professor at College of Communication, National Chengchi University (NCCU) as well as the Director of MA in Global Communication and Innovation Technology. Previously, she worked at Nanyang Technological University. Later, she served as the Research Associate Dean at College of Communication, NCCU. She was the Harvard Yenching Scholar and the Fulbright Scholar. Her mixed-method research focuses on new media innovations, emerging ICT adoption and social impact, and AI human-machine interaction. At present, Dr. Lin is the Vice President of International Chinese Communication Association, and the Vice Chair of Taiwan Communication Association.