Exploring the Dynamics of Rumors on Social Media in the Chinese Context
2012 (engelsk)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 poäng / 30 hp
Oppgave
Abstract [en]
Rumors always trigger public panic in China, while the advanced Internet technology has tremendously influenced the daily life of the Chinese. Thus, the dynamics of rumor spreading via the social media in China are worthwhile discussing. In order to fulfill the aim of this research, one of the prevalent Chinese social media sites, the Sina microblog, is introduced and analyzed within the context of the salt-buying frenzy incident that occurred in China in 2011. Various theoretical approaches, from the sociological and media studies perspectives, are introduced to form the framework for analysis. The relevant data and materials were collected via questionnaires with Chinese Internet users, while previous academic research and publications provide supportive materials. From the analysis of this social media site and contemporary Chinese circumstances, it was seen that the Guanxi network extended and enlarged the influence of online rumors to offline Chinese. In other words, the Guanxi network, expanded by social media, can be considered as the most important part of the dynamic process of rumor spreading in China. However, the openness and freedom of the Internet atmosphere were found to be the main factors in eliminating online rumors.
sted, utgiver, år, opplag, sider
2012. , s. 120
Serie
Uppsala Studies in Media and Communication, ISSN 1651-4777
Emneord [en]
social media, rumor, China, microblog, Guanxi network
HSV kategori
Identifikatorer
URN: urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-185146OAI: oai:DiVA.org:uu-185146DiVA, id: diva2:571161
Fag / kurs
Media and Communication Studies
Utdanningsprogram
Master Programme in Social Sciences
Presentation
(engelsk)
Uppsök
Social and Behavioural Science, Law
Veileder
Examiner
2012-11-212012-11-212012-11-21bibliografisk kontrollert