Chinese Social Networks in an Age of Digitalization: Liquid Guanxi

Chinese Social Networks in an Age of Digitalization explores how digital media is transforming the traditional Chinese model of social interaction, trust-building, and social capital known as guanxi. The book argues that digitalization is making guanxi liquid, blurring social and geographical boundaries, and providing a newfound liberation in networking, trust, and feelings toward others. It suggests that Chinese modernity is transforming into a digital agora, a new intermediary space between the public and private spheres.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the age of digitalization, Chinese social networks are undergoing a profound transformation. This insightful book delves into the impact of digital media on the traditional Chinese model of social interaction, trust-building, and social capital, known as guanxi. Guanxi is a complex system of cultural and psychological rules that governs every aspect of networking in China, from the labor market to politics, business, and even law. It is deeply ingrained in the nation's culture and has existed for centuries. However, as the world rapidly embraces digital technologies, the question arises: how has guanxi adapted to this digital age?

This groundbreaking monograph is the first to explore the transformative effects of social networking sites on guanxi in everyday networking in China. With a vast population of users worldwide and nearly universal adoption within the country, China represents a prime example of how digitalization is reshaping social interactions. The book argues that digitalization is rendering guanxi liquid, dissolving social and geographical boundaries, and granting individuals a newfound sense of liberation in their networking, trust, and interpersonal relationships.

According to Au, Chinese modernity is evolving into a digital agora, a new intermediary space that bridges the public and private realms, reconciling obligations to both. This transformative shift is reshaping the way people in guanxi perceive trust, interact, and present themselves, as they navigate the rapidly advancing digital landscape.

The book provides valuable insights for researchers and students interested in understanding the dynamics of social networks in the age of digitalization. It offers a window into how digitalization is altering the fundamental beliefs, behaviors, and strategies employed by individuals in guanxi, enabling them to adapt and thrive in this rapidly changing environment. By examining the interplay between digital media, guanxi, and Chinese society, this book sheds light on the complex and evolving nature of social interactions and their implications for the future.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032522906