Features of Social Media and the Rise of Civic Consciousness among PRC Netizens in the 21st Century

Abstract

The development of the Internet and Web 2.0 in the 21st century has led to the emergence of “new media”, creating the possibility of user interaction. The advancement of “new media” and “social media” as its part has made it possible for users to express their opinions and feedback to specific ideas and events more openly and freely, using the Internet as a platform for representation. However, the overflow of information also led to further disorientation and obfuscation of users. Studying the phenomena of the Internet environment allows, on the one hand, to gain a greater understanding of public opinion and attitudes and, on the other hand, to delve deeper into the problems of users’ understanding and perception of information. The behavior of Internet users in the Chinese segment of the Internet is attractive due to its peculiarities related to censorship and certain technical limitations. Chinese IT corporations created various social media platforms and microblogs to substitute for the Western web platforms restricted on Mainland China. Being a part of the Chinese internet segment notwithstanding, those platforms are subject to censorship as well. However, despite the apparent technical and political restrictions, the public opinion of Chinese Internet users (mostly netizens) in some cases can contradict the government’s official position. It also allows netizens to lobby their interests, showing that it is possible to express their civic position through the Internet even under the current political censorship conditions, transforming Chinese netizens into real social power.

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