Fifteenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Social media currently plays a vital role in society, especially during the global crisis. As one of the most prominent digital platforms in China, Sina Weibo plays a significant role in managing and organizing information for the public. Social media plays a vital role for the people in gaining the latest news on the Covid-19 pandemic. More and more people regard social media as the primary source and tool to receive and spread information during public health emergencies. Social media users also spread and repost related information on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. This study is based on a content analysis to explore Weibo posts in 2020. This study finds that although it is undeniable that the government highly censors social media, social media still share freedom in China. Chinese netizens could somehow enjoy the liberty to criticize the local government; however, they share limited space to comment on the central government. This study further argues that social media in China share somehow the freedom of China’s media environment. Simultaneously, it still follows the traditional media logic to facilitate the Chinese Communist Party’s interests.