AI Deepfake Interaction, Authentication and Correction in Taiwan: Examining the Roles of Echo Chamber and Conspiracy Mentality

Abstract

Before 2024 Presidential Elections, this web study investigates how deepfake interaction experiences influence Taiwanese online video users’ act of authentication and correction. Based on a modified Stimulus-Reasoning-Orientation-Response model, we examine the dynamics of deepfake interaction as the media stimulus (S), mediated by echo chamber, conspiracy mentality (R), deepfake self-efficacy and presumed influence (O), which in turn shapes user responses to deepfake authentication and correction (R). Structural Equation Modeling results show that deepfake interaction experience is negatively associated with echo chamber, but positively related to conspiracy mentality, and such interaction results in proactive responses to deepfake authentication and correction. In addition, users with higher tendency of echo chambers demonstrate lower deepfake self-efficacy, and perceive less presumed influence of deepfakes. Yet, the pronounced conspiracy mentality increases deepfake presumed influence. Moreover, deepfake self-efficacy is positively related to authentication and correction activities, while its presumed influence only influences act of authentication. Implications are discussed.