IMICS Hosts Dr. Ruth Shillair (MSU) for Insightful Talk on Technology Communication

March 28, 2025 – The International Master’s Program in International Communication Studies (IMICS) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) had the honor of hosting Dr. Ruth Shillair, Director of Graduate Studies in Media and Information at the College of Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University (MSU). Dr. Shillair delivered an engaging and thought-provoking lecture titled "Communicating the Unknown: Minimizing Harm, Maximizing Benefit in Technology Use." The event provided an in-depth exploration of effective communication strategies in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Dr. Shillair (fourth from the left), together with Dr. Chen Yi-Ning (fifth from the left), Director of the OIC, Dr. Tammy Lin (fifth from the right), Director of the IMICS program, and faculty members from the College of Communication.

NCCU and MSU Exchange Program

At the beginning of the session, IMICS Director and Distinguished Professor Dr. Jih-Hsuan Tammy Lin, a MSU alumni, warmly welcomed Dr. Shillair to NCCU. She also introduced an upcoming exchange program between NCCU and MSU, highlighting that students participating in the program would only need to pay NCCU’s local tuition fees while having the opportunity to take up to nine credits at MSU. Dr. Lin emphasized the honor of collaborating with MSU and expressed hope for further academic partnerships between the two institutions.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Shillair’s Lecture

Dr. Shillair, a renowned scholar in cybersecurity, risk communication, and digital literacy, shared valuable insights on how individuals and organizations can navigate the uncertainties of emerging technologies. She structured her talk around five key takeaways:

• We all face many unknowns

• Information is a source of power

• Access to and use of information is a struggle for power

• Technology has radically changed access to information

• The use or non-use of technology always involves a cost-benefit struggle

These takeaways underscored the importance of responsible communication in technology use to mitigate risks while maximizing societal benefits.

5 key takeaways from Dr. Shillair’s lecture.

Information as a Source of Power

During her speech, Dr. Shillair emphasized the role of information as a source of power, illustrating her point with a recent Target data breach case. She used this example to highlight the importance of understanding both the risks and benefits of technology.

Regarding generative AI, she pointed out its potential to reduce workload while also stressing the need for users to verify the accuracy of AI-generated information before relying on it. Additionally, she discussed issues such as vaccine hesitancy and the flat Earth movement in the U.S., attributing these phenomena to the widespread influence of misinformation and disinformation. She noted that false information can lead people to perceive vaccines as riskier than they actually are, exacerbating public health challenges.

Importance of Cybersecurity

Following her discussion on information power, Dr. Shillair addressed cybersecurity concerns. She illustrated the significance of cybersecurity by referencing a case at MSU where multiple professors had their emails hacked, leading to the exposure of sensitive information. She emphasized the necessity of two-factor authentication for account security and underscored the role of media literacy in mitigating technological risks.

Additionally, she provided attendees with practical tips on creating strong passwords, prompting many to reconsider their current password practices.

Dr. Shillair provided practical tips of setting up the password

Engaging Q&A Session

The talk attracted a diverse audience, including IMICS students, faculty members, and professionals from various fields related to communication and technology. Attendees actively participated in the discussion, posing thought-provoking questions.

Distinguish Professor Dr. Katherine Chen, Director of the Office of International Cooperation (OIC), asked how social media platforms could combat deepfake content and disinformation in the absence of AI-related regulations.

Dr. Shillair responded by stating that social media companies need to self-regulate deepfake content and misinformation to minimize their negative impacts. However, she pointed out that self-regulation is not universally implemented, as it often conflicts with the financial interests of these platforms.

OIC Director Dr. Katherine Chen asked questions during the Q&A session.

Conclusion

Dr. Shillair’s visit reinforced IMICS’ commitment to fostering critical discussions on international communication and technology. By hosting distinguished experts, the program continues to provide valuable learning opportunities for students and scholars interested in the intersection of communication and technological innovation.

The event not only broadened participants’ understanding of risk communication in technology use but also encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration among attendees from different academic and professional backgrounds. It concluded with a networking session, allowing attendees to further discuss ideas and explore potential research collaborations in the field of technology communication.

As technology continues to reshape human interaction and communication, events like this highlight the importance of academic discourse in preparing future communication professionals for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Dr. Shillair presented IMICS Director Dr. Jih-Hsuan Tammy Lin a bouquet of flower as a token of appreciation for this visit.