China and the Internet: Using New Media for Development and Social Change

China and the Internet explores how Chinese activists, NGOs, and government offices have used the Internet to address rural malnutrition, the digital divide, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other urgent issues, presenting five case studies and applying a Communication for Development approach to examine the use and impact of China's Internet.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 380 pages
Publication date: 08 January 2024
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Two overly simplistic narratives have long dominated news reports and academic studies of China's Internet: one praising its potential to boost commerce, while the other bemoans state control and measures against the forces of political transformation. This dichotomy obscures the complexity of the dynamic forces operating on the Chinese Internet and the diversity of Internet-related phenomena.

China and the Internet delves into the intricate ways in which Chinese activists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government offices have harnessed the power of the Internet to address pressing issues such as rural malnutrition, the digital divide, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous other urgent problems impacting millions of people. Through a series of theoretically informed case studies, the book showcases how new media have been employed in interventions aimed at promoting development and social change. These case studies encompass instances where activists have fought against the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the transformative potential of the Internet in mobilizing communities and advocating for change.

In addition to its exploration of these case studies, China and the Internet adopts a Communication for Development (CfD) approach to examine the use and impact of China's Internet. While CfD is widely recognized in the field of Internet studies internationally, it has yet to be thoroughly applied in studies of China's Internet. By adopting this approach, the book offers a fresh perspective to explore the Internet and its related phenomena within the context of Chinese society.

Through its comprehensive analysis, China and the Internet sheds light on the multifaceted ways in which the Internet is shaping China's social, economic, and political landscape. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise as the country navigates the rapidly evolving digital realm, and provides valuable insights into the strategies employed by various stakeholders to harness the Internet's potential for positive change. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of China's Internet and its implications for the broader global community.

Weight: 653g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978834736