ERIC Number: EJ801424
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1750-497X
EISSN: N/A
Crafting Self Identity in a Virtual Community: Chinese Internet Users and Their Political Sense Form
Tian, Robert G.; Wu, Yan
Multicultural Education & Technology Journal, v1 n4 p238-258 2007
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the construction of virtual community identities among Chinese internet users and their motivation for lurking, posting or flaming. Design/methodology/approach: Taking Qiangguo Luntan as an online study site the authors apply an ethnographic approach for the research, a method that is becoming more and more favourable by scholars in study virtual communities. The data gathered are mainly through participant observation and in-depth interviews. Findings: The findings suggest that internet bulletin boards enable ordinary Chinese to have their identities as politically activated citizens constructed in cyberspace. A consistent enthusiasm for political participation can be found in user's pennames, signature files, political clusters, and online behaviours. Originality/value: This is an original case study. (Contains 6 tables.)
Descriptors: Participant Observation, Internet, Self Concept, Foreign Countries, Political Attitudes, Computer Mediated Communication, Ethnography, Interviews, Discussion Groups, Motivation, Social Networks, Community, Case Studies, Current Events, World Affairs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: China
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A