Demoralizing internet contention: affective publics and emotional mobilization on China’s social media during the Covid-19 Ppndemic

The Chinese government’s affective mobilization and the vulnerability of affective publics raise the concerns about the demise of online activism. The contentiously affective rhythms are continually submerged by the powerful wave of affective mobilization supported by the state. Our study argues tha...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Wang, Weihang (Author)
Contributors: Tan, Xuanxuan
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2023
In: Critical criminology
Year: 2023, Volume: 31, Issue: 2, Pages: 417-431
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Keywords:
Whistleblower
Social Media
Corona-Pandemie
Mobilisierung
China
Description
Summary:The Chinese government’s affective mobilization and the vulnerability of affective publics raise the concerns about the demise of online activism. The contentiously affective rhythms are continually submerged by the powerful wave of affective mobilization supported by the state. Our study argues that strong emotions embedded within affective publics might undermine sustained contention and prevent further inquiry into and discussion of sociopolitical issues. Our argument is based on a case study of Dr. Li Wenliang’s Weibo. A whistleblower in the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Li’s death provoked intense public anger and dissident voices on Chinese social media. However, the initial contentious flow of affect gradually faded as the government declared war against Covid-19 and the state of exception became the new normal for living. Under this situation, we investigate the socialist legacy of emotional mobilization in the internet governance and its adaptation in manipulating the flow of affect. This article provides insights for understanding internet non-conformities during the pandemic by showing the use of affect in demoralizing contentious voices under the state of exception.
Item Description:Literaturverzeichnis: Seite 429-431
Physical Description:Illustrationen
ISSN:1572-9877
DOI:10.1007/s10612-023-09708-6