Social Media in China Essay Example

led to the emergence of innovative journalism forms due to the struggles faced by traditional media in terms of decreasing viewership. Simultaneously, newer media platforms are experiencing rapid growth. Nowadays, news can be accessed not just through conventional sources but also online. Moreover, reporting is no longer limited to professional journalists; ordinary people contribute to news coverage via social media and other platforms. Consequently, social media has become an integral part of daily life, offering immediate access to global breaking news.

Social media serves as more than just a communication tool; it is a platform for individuals to express opinions and share information. It provides easy connectivity with the outside world through the Internet and modern communication tools. People can consume different network media, access information via SMS text messages, tweets, blogs, micro-blogs, as well as upload and download audio and visual content. The authenticity and timeliness of certain information make it highly influential among the public.

In China's Sichuan Province, during the 2008 earthquake, local residents utilized text messages and the internet to communicate with their loved ones and inform the world about the real situation. This method proved more successful than mainstream media in China because it offered accurate information on the complete magnitude of the disaster to outsiders. The internet has enabled ordinary individuals to function as reporters, assuming roles that were traditionally reserved for media professionals. As a result, citizen journalists and reporters have gained increased public approval.

The media's role in countries with limited freedom of expression differs from that in established democracies. "Citizen Journalists" are becoming more important as they provide a unique perspective compared to

professional journalists. The Internet provides various opportunities (Bothmer, 2010). The impact of social media and the emergence of citizen journalists can potentially bring about societal change, although the China Communist Party (CCP) has concerns about it.

The Internet has revolutionized information sharing, setting it apart from traditional media like television, newspaper, and radio by giving control to the audience. This has had a significant impact on China's economy. Along with opportunities for development, the internet also brings challenges. Social media growth enables users to quickly access breaking news worldwide.

Social media not only serves as a means of communication, but also provides individuals with a platform to express their viewpoints and exchange information. Despite government attempts to regulate the online sphere, critical perspectives on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continue to spread rapidly across different social media platforms. China, with its large number of internet users, has implemented an advanced censorship and surveillance system to monitor online activities (Rohde, 2011).

Sina Weibo, which was launched by Sina Company in 2009, serves as a major platform for news and discussion. It is a popular Chinese social network that bears similarities to Facebook and Twitter, enabling users to express their viewpoints. Based on iResearch's report on March 30, 2011, Sina Weibo dominated China's microblogging market with 56.5% active users and 86.6% browsing time when compared to its competitors such as Tencent Weibo and Baidu's services [1]. The top 100 users of Sina Weibo collectively amassed over 485 million followers.

Sina Weibo, a popular social media platform in China, has over 5,000 companies and 2,700 media organizations utilizing it. The site is managed by

a dedicated microblogging department consisting of 200 employees who handle technology, design, operations, and marketing. To comply with China's strict internet censorship regulations, Sina Weibo closely monitors the content posted on its services. In a 2011 interview with Forbes Asia, Charles Chao – the CEO of Sina Weibo – disclosed that around 100 employees continuously monitor and block users' content to avoid any conflicts with the government.

Despite efforts to prevent or quickly delete negative posts, some still manage to slip through. In China, citizen journalists act as watchdogs similar to traditional media. Even after 24 years since the Tiananmen Square incident, corruption and injustices remain major concerns for Chinese people. To combat corruption, a collective effort known as 'human flesh search engines' has been implemented.[2] Recently on Weibo, users posted a search about a 20-year-old woman who was flaunting her wealth. She shared pictures of herself with expensive handbags and cars, claiming they were birthday gifts. The woman identified herself as the General Manager of the Red Cross Chamber of Commerce, allegedly a subsidiary of China's largest charity organization - the Red Cross Society. However, the charity denied having such a subsidiary which failed to convince the public. Eventually, the Red Cross had to report the case to the police but their delayed response did not satisfy most people.

The Red Cross Society of China admitted to misusing public funds after the girlfriend of a high-level executive linked to the charity was exposed. This revelation led to a significant decrease in donations to charitable organizations, with a 90 percent drop compared to three months ago. In response, individuals have been using social

media platforms, notably Sina Weibo, to express their concerns and assert their rights.

The government's worry about radical opinions expressed online is growing, and social media platforms have become a means of communication between the people and the government. A demonstration in Zhenhai town, Ningbo province on October 22nd exemplified this. The residents of Zhenhai town support the construction of a new factory as they believe it will benefit the local economy. However, it should be noted that this factory will produce PX, which is commonly utilized in manufacturing plastic bottles and polyester. Consequently, there are numerous concerns among individuals regarding potential health hazards associated with PX[6].

Despite lacking the approval and agreement of most residents, the project will still begin. Local residents tried to resist the plan with street protests, but the local government stepped in to suppress these protests. Some protesters shared images on Sina Weibo to gain attention beyond Ningbo province. Influential individuals reposted certain deleted posts, including pictures showing local police arresting demonstrators, which attracted a large number of users.

The internet has witnessed a surge in uploaded photos, primarily depicting the government-people conflict. These images have sparked animosity among online viewers, causing more individuals to actively engage in protests. On October 23rd, the local government in Ningbo implemented measures to disable cell phone signals, effectively severing communication within the city. This strategy is commonly employed by the government to manage large-scale incidents. Furthermore, residents of Ningbo were unable to share pictures on their Sina Weibo accounts. Nevertheless, support for the event in Ningbo on Sina Weibo rapidly gained traction.

The protest in Ningbo gained momentum as

individuals from outside the city shared their comments and pictures, resulting in widespread participation. On October 28th, the local government temporarily halted the PX project after publicly announcing it through various media channels. This provided an opportunity for local residents to express their opinions to the government, with even the official Ningbo Weibo account sharing this announcement. In China, information that has the potential to damage the reputation of the CCP is typically treated as confidential party secrets. For example, incidents of unnatural deaths during disasters that should be attributed to government accountability are often not disclosed by the media.

The Chinese government has historically hidden the number of deaths in various cases, such as the Great Leap Forward during the Mao era. This initiative, led by the China Communist Party between 1958 and 1961, was a socio-economic project. The exact number of non-normal deaths during this period is still disputed. According to 'History of the Chinese Communist Party Volume II' (2011), a publication from the Chinese government, there are over 10 million non-normal deaths. However, many experts argue that with further data analysis and research, the actual figure exceeds 10 million.

Despite the ongoing secrecy surrounding the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, memories of this event continue to resonate with China's middle-aged population. The topic remains prohibited for discussion or reporting, but technological advancements have allowed for the uncovering and dissemination of information. After years of exposure to propaganda from the CCP and a lack of access to accurate information about domestic and international affairs, the Chinese public now has an increased desire for news (Susan, L, 2011). As a result, Sina Weibo has

emerged as a platform where individuals can satisfy their thirst for knowledge.

Every year, on June 4th in Hong Kong, a large number of people gather at Victoria Park for a candlelight vigil to remember the June Fourth Incident. The participation in this event has been increasing over time[7]. Mainland China's media intentionally ignores this event to prevent the protest from gaining attention. Chinese media still avoids discussing the sensitive subject of the Tiananmen Square incident.

In recent years, on June 4th, individuals use Sina Weibo to express their thoughts and commemorate the Tiananmen Square protesters, aiming to raise awareness about this historical event. Furthermore, mainland Chinese citizens travel to Hong Kong on this day to join the candlelight vigil.

The government's stringent control hampers new media platforms from acting as watchdogs and makes it difficult for people, especially journalists working for traditional media outlets, to freely voice their opinions. According to Qinglian He (2004), an investigation conducted by New York-based Committee revealed that between 1998-2002, 38 Chinese journalists faced prosecution and 32 of them were imprisoned.

The government occasionally hides the truth to safeguard certain individuals or groups, which is especially noticeable in reporting major accidents. Media outlets are required to obtain government authorization before covering such incidents. In April 2012, Zhao Pu, a popular CCTV presenter, used Sina Weibo to caution people about the hazards of consuming specific products – yogurt and jelly – particularly for children. He shared a text message from an investigative reporter that disclosed the alarming contents of these items.

Zhao's post on Weibo sparked concern and debate, leading to media coverage on the truth behind yogurt. It

was revealed that the material used in its production comes from leather shoes. The government and companies responded by assuring the public of the yogurt's safety. Despite deleting the post, Zhao subsequently stopped hosting the show, possibly due to speculation about him being fired. It took him eight months to make a comeback.

In an interview with Chengdu Business Daily, Zhao admitted that his removal from the TV show was a result of discussions with the leader of CCTV. He disclosed that a government-linked interest group had pressured CCTV. Contrary to common belief, Zhao clarified that his departure was not because of disciplinary action by CCTV. The interest group, connected to the local government, played a vital role in supporting the industry. If the truth were revealed, it would have negative economic effects on the town or area, which could lead to consequences for the local government and potential punishment for its leader.

The government has implemented various measures to control the dissemination of negative information, as reported by BBC (Hays, 2008). In Beijing, users of Sina Weibo are required to disclose their real identities before expressing their opinions. This requirement aims to combat the spread of false information. If someone is found guilty of sharing "unfounded" rumors according to the government's determination, their Sina Weibo account may be suspended or permanently terminated.

For political survival and to maintain the credibility of the CCP and government, network monitoring is strongly emphasized by the government. Former president Hu Jintao visited People's Daily on June 20th, 2008 and engaged with netizens, emphasizing the need for enhancing the news release system, improving coverage of sudden-breaking

public events, promptly sharing authoritative information, increasing transparency, and controlling news propaganda efforts. Four years later, while a school shooting took place in America on December 15th and received extensive coverage in Chinese media with prominence on their front pages, another tragedy occurred in China on that same day but received minimal media attention.

A man armed with a knife in Henan province injured 22 students and one adult. Initially, this news was shared on Sina Weibo but received minimal coverage on state TV and in newspapers. Speculation from blogger Murong (2012) suggested that the government had blocked information about the case, preventing people from accessing it through the media. As a result of the media's response to these two tragedies, some individuals feel disappointed. A Sina Weibo user expressed frustration as they were unable to find any information about the Henan attack on CCTV, despite extensive coverage of an incident involving gunshots in America throughout the entire night.

The government's response to the situation has faced criticism, with some expressing dissatisfaction. Although a report on the incident was eventually released later in the day, it received less attention and detail compared to shootings in America. There is a perception that the government is downplaying the severity of the Henan attack. Chinese citizens may find it more confusing than those outside of China to understand certain events within their country, including the murder case involving Gu Kailai and her husband Bo Xilai, who previously held a position as secretary in Chongqing province.

Despite the knowledge of the public regarding the case's outcome, media outlets are unable to disclose information about the process

and details. There is still a lack of comprehension concerning activities in China. The leader of CCP is worried that if people become more informed about negative aspects or hidden truths about the government, it will pose a significant threat to CCP's leadership. Mark Leonard (2011), a British political author, suggests that this could significantly prolong China's one-party state. Similarly, just like how the market has protected the Communist Party in China, the country's state-controlled Internet may also safeguard its leadership.

There is a risk of a repeat of the 1989 crash if people are mobilized. The lack of transparency in the CCP's response to negative incidents has left some people unsatisfied, with it being agreed upon that the government had concealed the truth in certain incidents. In 2010, Daniel Stockman's research uncovered new data about how Chinese individuals select news sources based on different styles. Due to variations in publishing style, Chinese individuals tend to place more trust in commercial media than official media.

Gang and Bandurski (2011) discovered that during times of crisis, readers are shifting their attention from official media sources to find dependable information. Their study revealed that commercial newspapers offer more comprehensive and reliable reports in comparison to official newspapers. This distrust in the government could be attributed to media control.

The RedCross case and recent floods in Beijing have both shed light on the government's approach to such situations. Initially, Chinese officials reported that 37 people had died, sparking a debate on Sina Weibo about the accuracy of this information. Many individuals questioned the truthfulness of this number, which left the public disappointed. However, as more

evidence emerged, it became clear that the actual death toll was higher. Eventually acknowledging their error, the government revealed that there were 77 casualties in the floods. Concealing these statistics was likely motivated by concerns over exposing flaws in local government management that could damage China's reputation. Additionally, they aimed to control public opinion and maintain political power by fearing that revealing the truth would incite unrest among citizens. Despite promising transparency, the government persists in withholding information and providing inadequate explanations.

The public's reception of information can cause confusion and skepticism towards the media and government. This has led to citizen journalists playing an important role in monitoring traditional media, particularly since profit is often their main focus. Commercial media depend heavily on advertising for revenue, necessitating the presentation of information in a compelling and appealing way to boost sales.

The media's watchdog role has decreased due to competition from new media. The Chinese government controls the media, limiting opportunities for citizen journalists. While social media is helpful in disseminating information, the reliability of sources and professionalism of citizen journalists may not be as strong as traditional media. On Sina Weibo, posts are restricted to 140 Chinese characters, which may only convey the main idea instead of all the facts.

The first post on Sina Weibo usually receives more attention than later posts, resulting in individuals only getting partial information rather than the whole story. Moreover, apart from spreading accurate information, Sina Weibo also spreads rumors, creating doubts about its reliability. The convenience of citizen journalists uploading content to social media platforms like Twitter through mobile devices can lead to a

lack of verification and different interpretations of the content, turning it into a complex game similar to Chinese Whispers.

The loss of a story's intended message or meaning can occur when it is distorted and manipulated over time. However, this risk is lower with professional content. The context of a story can effectively be conveyed and is not limited to just 140 characters (McDonald, 2012). Nonetheless, there is currently a subtle shift in the public opinion landscape. Sina Weibo, an active platform for three years, is increasingly challenging the government's ability to ignore its users' voices. It's important to note that Sina holds 56% of China's microblog market (Kyle, iResearch, 30 March 2011).

Retrieved 26 October 2011. 2. MarketWatch, Caixin Online, Sina's microblogging power, 4 July 2010 3. Definition Watchdog in Collins English Dictionary, 2009 4. Nieman foundation for Journalism at Harvard, 2012 Reference: Brunetti, Weder (2003), Journal of Public Economics 87 ,1801–1824, Mainz Bothmer,E(2010), More depth, Civil society and local government. Available from: http://www. dandc. eu/en/article/why-citizen-journalists-make-important-difference [Accessed:12 January 2013] Cao,B. (2012). 'Sina's Weibo Outlook Buoys Internet Stock Gains: China Overnight'.

The research laboratory of Chinese history (2011) published the History of the Chinese Communist Party Volume II by the Communist Party of China office. Coonan, C. (2012) reported in The Irish Times that China has tightened control of internet use. Epstein, G (2011) wrote about Sina Weibo in Forbes Asia Magazine. The article from Bloomberg, available at http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-28/sina-s-weibo-outlook-buoys-internet-stock-gains-in-n-y-china-overnight.html, discusses the positive outlook for Sina Weibo, which contributed to internet stock gains in New York during February 2012. Access dates for these sources were 28 February 2012 for Bloomberg and 29

December 2012 for The Irish Times.