The De-politicization of Internet Literature in China

With the rapid development of ICTs (information and communication technologies) in China, Internet-related topics have become a focus of discussion among scholars. One prominent area of discussion is focused on the Internet and politics. For example, Kluver and Chen conducted a topic analysis on academic journal articles related to the Internet in China and found that 39% were associated with political issues Several studies also show a close relationship between Internet use and political activities over the past decade. Yang argues that the Internet would bring a communication revolution that promotes civil engagement in politics through online activities (Yang, G.2009:213). Zhou believes that the Internet serves as a platform for dissemination of bottom-up information and public debate Xiao thinks that the Internet creates a quasi-public sphere in which state control is criticized, and collective action mobilized (Xiao, Q., 2011.). Esarey and Xiao claim that "the new media have empowered China's "netizens" and diminished the state's ability to set the public agenda and shape political preferences" (Esarey, A., & Xiao, Q., 2011).