The influence of online forum and SNS use on online political discussion in China: Assessing "Spirals of Trust"

Authors:
Yi Mou;David Atkin;Hanlong Fu;Carolyn A. Lin;T. Y. Lau
Affiliations:
Faculty of Humanities and Arts of Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau;Department of Communication Sciences at University of Connecticut, USA;Humanities Department of Colby-Sawyer College, USA;Department of Communication Sciences at University of Connecticut, USA;University of Southern California, USA
Venue:
Telematics and Informatics
Year:
2013

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Abstract

Echoing the significance of mobile online networks in fueling the Arab Spring, the present study seeks to better understand social media influences in China by studying political activity among Chinese netizens. A survey of Chinese college students examines the influence of online social networks in the context of political attitudes and political participation. Study results reveal a moderate but positive impact of online forum and social networking site use on online political discussion. Implications for political change in the social networking era, particularly in regimes that practice Internet censorship like China's, are discussed.