Last week, it was our pleasure to introduce you to Hardy Stewart, the Fairbank Center’s new Hou Family Pre-Doctoral Fellow in Taiwan Studies. We are now happy to introduce you to Sarah Plovnick, our Hou Family Postdoctoral Fellow. Her dissertation, titled “Listening Through the Firewall: A Sonic Narrative of Communication Between Taiwan and Mainland China,” examines the recent history of the Taiwan Strait (1949-present) from the perspective of sound and audio technologies.
Plovnick’s work explores the everyday interpersonal interactions between people in Taiwan and mainland China, particularly through evolving online communication tools, moving beyond the frequently examined political and military narratives. She also delves into cultural exchanges and the complex role of AI technologies, like deepfakes, in shaping public discourse, as seen in Taiwan’s recent election where disinformation influenced opinions. In this Q&A, Sarah explains how new technological developments have impacted contemporary cross-Strait relations. As a Bostonian, Plovnick is excited for her return to the area — and ready to revisit her favorite ice cream spots.
What excites you most about the research you will be doing this academic year?
This academic year, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to explore new perspectives for addressing contemporary cross-Strait relations. Often when people discuss Taiwan on the global stage, the conversation tends to revolve around policy or military issues. While these are important, they can sometimes overshadow the rich history, culture, and everyday life in Taiwan. There’s growing interest, among scholars, to broaden the narrative and present Taiwan in a more well-rounded way, showcasing Taiwan’s unique identity beyond just its relationship with mainland China.
In my dissertation, I took a different approach to cross-Strait relations, focusing on how people in Taiwan and mainland China interact on an interpersonal level, especially through the latest online communication tools. Instead of just focusing on high-level diplomatic talks or potential conflict, I explored the day-to-day conversations and exchanges that shape how individuals perceive each other. I’m excited to continue this work, digging into how these on-the-ground experiences can offer new insights and contribute to broader discussions about cross-Strait relations.
What made you decide that the Fairbank Center was the right place for you to be at this point in your academic career?
Having just recently completed the multi-year project of writing my dissertation, the Hou Family Fellowship in Taiwan Studies provides an invaluable opportunity to plan my next steps and dive into new projects. I’m particularly excited about the Fairbank Center’s interdisciplinary environment. I’m looking forward to working with, and learning from, the many talented researchers associated with the Fairbank Center, as a way to further my interdisciplinary approach toward contemporary cross-Strait politics.
The communications technologies that you look at in your research are always evolving. Are there certain specific changes that you noticed during this recent election cycle in Taiwan that you think had a significant impact?
The rapid development of communication technologies adds complexity to events like elections, and in Taiwan’s January 2024 election, disinformation was a significant concern. Given my focus on audio communication, I was particularly interested in the potential role of deepfake technology. Deepfakes, which are AI-generated audio and video that appear real but are entirely fabricated, have the potential to spread disinformation in very convincing ways. The Taiwan FactCheck Center did an excellent job tracking the use of deepfakes leading up to the election. Interestingly, they found that most of the deepfakes used in disinformation campaigns were fairly easy to spot. One key takeaway from my conversations with disinformation experts before the election was that the effectiveness of disinformation doesn’t necessarily hinge on how believable it is. Sometimes, just the act of spreading false information can sway public opinion, regardless of its credibility. This suggests that, while deepfakes might make disinformation look more convincing, their actual impact might not be as significant as some fear.
A more pressing issue right now seems to be the lag in developing effective detection and regulatory systems to manage these emerging technologies — something I refer to in my dissertation as “regulatory latency.” This delay can allow deepfakes to circulate unchecked, which is concerning in the context of disinformation. However, in some cases — such as in tightly controlled media environments, like in mainland China — this same delay can provide a window of opportunity for people to communicate more freely, using unregulated tools like deepfakes to avoid censorship and surveillance.
What are you most excited to do during your time in Cambridge?
I’m really excited to be back in the Boston area, where I grew up, and I can’t wait to reconnect with family and old friends. Cambridge is a hub of academic energy with so many universities nearby, and I’m looking forward to diving into that vibrant community. And, of course, I’m also excited about the ice cream — deciding between Toscanini’s, Christina’s, and JP Licks is going to be a delicious challenge!
Did you read any books or articles this summer that you would like to recommend?
I want to especially recommend the beautiful picture book Out of the Foggy Forest (走出霧之森), recently published by my friends in Taiwan, Min-ying Tsai (蔡旻螢) and Chu-yun Hsu (許楚妘). It’s a touching and creative story about forest animals trapped in thick fog, searching for sunlight, and it beautifully addresses themes of transitional justice and regrowth in the context of Taiwan’s past authoritarian period. The illustrations are stunning, and the writing is truly moving — it’s the kind of book that will bring you to tears.