10.3 Social media, public opinion, and political participation
3 min read•august 9, 2024
Social media in China has transformed how people share info and engage in politics. Platforms like and enable rapid news spread and diverse perspectives, often outpacing traditional media in shaping public opinion.
Online activism has empowered citizens to raise awareness and pressure authorities on issues. The government responds by monitoring discussions, censoring content, and using strategies to shape online discourse in its favor.
Social Media Platforms
Popular Chinese Social Media Networks
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Top images from around the web for Popular Chinese Social Media Networks
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Frontiers | Exploring public attention and sentiment toward carbon neutrality: evidence from ... View original
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How International Students Adapt in China: The Role of Chinese Social Media in Intercultural ... View original
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- Weibo functions as China's equivalent to Twitter, enabling users to share short posts, images, and videos
- WeChat serves as a multi-purpose platform combining messaging, social media, and mobile payment features
- Microblogging platforms allow users to share brief updates and thoughts, fostering rapid information dissemination
- QQ remains a popular instant messaging service, particularly among younger demographics
- Douyin (TikTok's Chinese version) dominates short-form video content, influencing trends and
Impact on Information Dissemination
- Social media platforms accelerate news spread, often outpacing traditional media outlets
- User-generated content contributes to diverse perspectives and grassroots reporting
- Viral content can quickly shape public opinion on social and political issues
- Platform algorithms curate personalized content feeds, potentially creating echo chambers
- Social media serves as a primary source of information for many Chinese citizens, especially younger generations
Online Activism and Protests
Digital Civic Engagement
- Online activism enables citizens to raise awareness about social issues and mobilize support
- (active internet users) play a crucial role in shaping online discourse and public opinion
- Digital public sphere provides a virtual space for political discussions and debates
- Social media campaigns can pressure authorities to address concerns (environmental issues, corruption)
- Online petitions and hashtag movements amplify citizen voices on various social and political matters
Government Response to Online Activism
- Authorities monitor online discussions to gauge public sentiment and identify potential unrest
- Censorship mechanisms filter sensitive content and block access to certain websites or platforms
- Government often responds to online protests by addressing concerns or suppressing discussions
- Online activism sometimes leads to offline demonstrations or policy changes
- Netizens develop creative ways to bypass censorship (using homophones, images, or coded language)
Government Influence on Public Opinion
Strategies for Shaping Online Discourse
- Government opinion guidance aims to steer public discussions in favor of official narratives
- 50 Cent Party refers to paid commentators who post pro-government content on social media
- State media maintains a strong presence on social platforms to disseminate official information
- Authorities use social media to gather feedback on policies and gauge public sentiment
- Government-sponsored hashtags and campaigns promote patriotic or nationalist themes
Technological Tools for Information Control
- restricts access to foreign websites and social media platforms
- Content moderation systems automatically filter sensitive keywords and topics
- Real-name registration requirements for social media accounts enhance user accountability
- Government-mandated content removal requests target posts deemed harmful to social stability
- Social credit system incorporates online behavior into citizens' overall social scores
Key Terms to Review (18)
Agenda-setting theory: Agenda-setting theory posits that the media has a significant influence on the importance placed on the topics of the public agenda. Essentially, it suggests that what the media covers shapes what audiences perceive as important issues, thereby guiding public opinion and influencing political participation. The theory emphasizes the media's role in not just telling people what to think, but also in telling them what to think about, especially in the context of social media where information spreads rapidly and affects political discussions.
Digital activism: Digital activism refers to the use of digital tools, especially social media platforms and online communication, to promote social, political, or environmental causes and mobilize individuals for collective action. This modern form of activism has transformed the way people organize, share information, and engage in political discourse, often leading to increased public participation and influence over policy-making.
Framing theory: Framing theory is a communication concept that explores how the presentation and context of information can shape perceptions and influence public opinion. This theory highlights the significance of how issues are framed, as different portrayals can lead to varying interpretations and emotional responses among audiences. In the realm of social media, framing plays a crucial role in how information is disseminated and received, ultimately affecting political participation and engagement.
Grassroots movements: Grassroots movements are initiatives that originate from the local level, driven by ordinary people who come together to address social, political, or environmental issues. These movements often rely on community engagement and participation, harnessing the power of collective action to influence change, especially in contexts where traditional political channels may be ineffective. The rise of social media has significantly amplified the impact and reach of grassroots movements, enabling them to mobilize public opinion and enhance political participation.
Great Firewall: The Great Firewall refers to China's extensive system of internet censorship and surveillance that blocks access to selected foreign websites and regulates internet traffic. This mechanism serves to control the flow of information within China, shaping public opinion and limiting exposure to outside influences, which is a significant challenge in the contemporary political landscape.
Information control: Information control refers to the strategies and practices employed by a state to regulate and manage the flow of information within society, particularly through media and communication channels. This involves censorship, surveillance, and manipulation of both traditional and digital media to ensure that the state narrative is maintained and dissenting views are suppressed. By controlling information, the state seeks to shape public opinion, influence political participation, and limit the power of alternative voices.
Me too movement: The me too movement is a social movement against sexual harassment and sexual assault, particularly in the workplace. It gained significant momentum in 2017 when numerous individuals began sharing their experiences of sexual misconduct, highlighting the pervasive nature of these issues in various industries. The movement aims to raise awareness, empower survivors, and foster societal change regarding attitudes toward consent and accountability.
Netizens: Netizens are individuals who actively participate in online communities and engage with digital platforms, particularly social media. They play a significant role in shaping public opinion and political discourse through their online interactions, discussions, and content creation. Netizens are essential in facilitating political participation and mobilization, as their collective voices can influence policy-making and societal change.
Online mobilization: Online mobilization refers to the process of using digital platforms and social media to organize, inform, and encourage individuals to participate in political activities. This method harnesses the power of the internet to connect people, disseminate information quickly, and coordinate collective action, leading to increased political participation and engagement among citizens. As a significant aspect of modern political landscapes, it shapes public opinion and grassroots movements.
Opinion leadership: Opinion leadership refers to the influence that certain individuals or groups have over the attitudes and behaviors of others in their social network, particularly regarding political or social issues. These opinion leaders often serve as trusted sources of information, shaping public perception and mobilizing political participation, especially through social media platforms where their views can reach a wider audience.
Participatory Governance: Participatory governance refers to a system of decision-making where citizens actively engage in the processes that shape their communities and influence public policies. This approach encourages collaboration between government entities and citizens, enabling a more inclusive and democratic atmosphere. It emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the empowerment of individuals to voice their opinions, often facilitated through platforms such as social media.
Public discourse: Public discourse refers to the exchange of ideas, opinions, and information among individuals and groups in society regarding political, social, and cultural issues. It is essential for fostering democratic engagement and allowing citizens to express their views, particularly through platforms like social media that facilitate widespread participation and influence public opinion.
State-sponsored discourse: State-sponsored discourse refers to communication and narratives that are actively promoted and controlled by a government to shape public opinion, influence political participation, and bolster the regime's legitimacy. This type of discourse can manifest through various channels, including traditional media, social media platforms, and official statements, and often aims to align public sentiment with state objectives or ideology.
Umbrella Movement: The Umbrella Movement refers to a pro-democracy protest that took place in Hong Kong from September to December 2014, where demonstrators used umbrellas as symbols of resistance against government repression and demands for greater political freedom. The movement is significant as it highlights the role of social media in mobilizing public opinion and political participation among Hong Kong citizens, particularly the youth, in their quest for democratic reforms.
V2ex community leaders: V2EX community leaders are influential members of the V2EX online forum, a platform for discussions related to technology, startups, and other interests in China. These leaders play a vital role in shaping the community's dynamics by guiding discussions, moderating content, and influencing public opinion within the digital space. Their presence enhances political participation by fostering an environment where users can engage in discourse about social issues and governmental policies.
WeChat: WeChat is a multi-purpose social media platform developed by Tencent, primarily used in China, that combines messaging, social networking, and mobile payment functionalities. This app serves as a crucial tool for communication, information sharing, and even political engagement, reflecting the intersection of social media, public opinion, and political participation.
Weibo: Weibo is a Chinese social media platform, often compared to Twitter, that allows users to post and share short messages, images, and videos. It serves as a major tool for public discourse and has become an essential avenue for political participation and expression of public opinion in China, reflecting the dynamic relationship between the state, citizens, and online platforms.
Xiaoshuai: Xiaoshuai, often translated as 'little tyrant,' refers to a phenomenon in Chinese society where younger generations, particularly children and teenagers, display entitled and rebellious behaviors due to the pressures of a rapidly changing society and family dynamics. This term reflects deeper issues related to social media's role in shaping public opinion and influencing political participation among youth.