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We sat down with Qian Huang, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Media Studies at Groningen, to talk about her fascinating journey through academia and her research on digital vigilantism.
Digital vigilantism occurs when people use online platforms to publicly shame or harass others as a form of retaliation. This can include online harassment, doxxing, and cancel culture.
From China to Academia
Qian grew up in Fuzhou, China, and initially had no plans to pursue a career in academia. Her undergraduate studies at a training college for Chinese diplomats provided little exposure to the kind of critical thinking and academic theory that would later become her passion.
Inspired by Prof. Saskia Witteborn, who specialized in migration and intercultural communication, during her Master’s in Hong Kong, Qian decided to pursue a PhD, despite her initial insecurities about her academic background.
"I had a lot of insecurities because I felt so much behind everyone," she recalls. "But my professor said that being an academic isn't about being smart; it's about being disciplined."
This advice stayed with Qian as she completed her Master's thesis, which impressed Prof. Witteborn so much that they collaborated on transforming it into a book chapter—a significant achievement that helped her secure a PhD position in the Netherlands.
Navigating the Challenges of Academia
After completing her PhD, Qian faced the demanding world of academia, where she took on multiple teaching contracts while continuing her research. Teaching 13 courses a year, she struggled to find time for research, knowing that publishing was essential to secure a permanent academic position.
"It was very tough," Qian admits. "But it paid off.”
Now a permanent faculty member, Qian reflects on the balance she’s achieved. "I'm more relaxed now that I don’t need to do things for ‘survival’. It's more about the internal drive to do things I'm interested in."
Digital Vigilantism: Understanding and Addressing Online Harassment
Qian's research focuses on digital vigilantism, particularly in China, where the practice of publicly shaming or harassing individuals online has become increasingly common. She explains that this phenomenon, which she studies through a comparative lens involving multiple countries, is deeply intertwined with issues of misogyny and nationalism.
In her research, Qian has documented cases where Chinese women, particularly those perceived as unpatriotic, have had their lives ruined by online harassment. Qian remains cautious in her own media presence, understanding the risks involved.
When asked whether digital vigilantism differed in how it presented itself across countries, Qian said:
“While studying digital vigilantism across different countries, I found more similarities than differences. The core motivations and tactics tend to be consistent, but variations arise due to differing political systems and media landscapes. For instance, in the UK and Russia, organized vigilante groups target specific behaviors like pedophilia or reckless driving. These groups sometimes even operate as businesses, profiting from their activities.
In China, however, collective action is discouraged, and vigilantism tends to be more spontaneous and incident-driven. Additionally, government involvement in regulating or punishing online behavior varies significantly. Western countries generally have less government intervention, while China and Russia exhibit more state involvement in determining acceptable online conduct.”
According to Qian, different countries also have different approaches to addressing digital vigilantism. In China, for example, a real identity registration system theoretically deters online harassment by linking posts and comments to individuals. However, this system hasn't been entirely effective.
Some positive developments include successful lawsuits against harassers and the implementation of a "one-button" feature on Chinese platforms that temporarily hides a user's profile and content to protect them from online violence. These solutions aren't perfect, though: lawsuits are costly and time-consuming, and the "one-button" feature is a temporary fix.
The EU doesn't employ similar methods due to privacy concerns. Education and promoting empathy are potential strategies here, but so far, such efforts are scarce.
The social media platforms themselves bear significant responsibility. Their business models, which rely on clicks, views, and controversial content, incentivize the spreading of harmful material.
Addressing digital vigilantism therefore requires a multifaceted approach that considers technological, political, and economic factors.
Balancing Visibility and Safety in the Digital Age
Qian’s research also touches on the broader issue of balancing the need for online visibility with the risks of harassment. She points out that nowadays, everyone from academics to artists is expected to maintain an online presence, which exposes them to potential threats.
"It’s a very weird balance we need to strike," Qian notes. "You need to let people see consistency in your work while also branching out into new areas. But with increased visibility comes increased risks."
"Even in academia, we need visibility, but I’m very careful with who I give quotes to," she says. "I want to present the full picture, but sometimes, media outlets have hidden agendas."
When asked what real-world applications Qian’s research might have, she explains:
“My research findings primarily inform and educate others about the risks of digital vigilantism. However, I'm seeking funding to develop practical resources, like handbooks and training sessions, to help academics and artists navigate online platforms safely and avoid doxxing or harassment. I'd also like to consult with university communications departments to help them understand how to protect staff from online harm, especially in cross-cultural contexts. Ultimately, I want to change the narrative around self-censorship, emphasizing that taking steps to protect oneself online is not cowardly, but a necessary form of self-preservation.”
A Personal Legacy of Ambition and Resilience
Qian's drive and determination are deeply rooted in her personal history, particularly the influence of her mother, who passed away when Qian was just 14. Her mother, an ambitious entrepreneur and national champion in orienteering, worked tirelessly to popularize outdoor sports in China, often at the expense of her own health.
"When I was younger, I didn’t understand her because other moms were always there while she was absent," Qian reflects. "But as an adult, I made peace with that and found inspiration in her ambition."
This legacy of hard work and ambition has clearly influenced Qian's own career, as she continues to push boundaries in her research and strive for a balance between visibility and safety in the digital world.
Advice for Young Women in Academia
For young women considering a career in academia, Qian offers two key pieces of advice: ignore societal pressures and embrace your achievements. She acknowledges that in some cultures, women pursuing higher education may face skepticism or discouragement, particularly when it comes to marriage and family prospects. Her advice is to "stop listening to others and focus on your own interests."
Qian also encourages women to be loud and proud of their achievements. "I never downplay my achievement and say that it is just luck. I always make my hard work known by others and show that Ideserve it."
As Qian continues to explore new avenues in her research, she remains hopeful about the future, despite the challenges.
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