Structural Changes in Online Discussion Networks: Evidence From a Case in China

Yang Yang, Rony Medaglia

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Social networking platforms in China provide a hugely interesting and relevant source for understanding dynamics of online discussions in a unique socio-cultural and institutional environment. This paper investigates the evolution of patterns of similar-minded and different-minded interactions over time on an online discussion platform. We analyse the content and reply networks of 18,000+ messages on four highly debated topics on the Chinese BBS platform Tianya in 2011. Findings illustrate the opinion distribution of the message networks, providing nuanced evidence to the phenomenon of group polarization. The study aims at providing background for future investigation on independent variables of the observed phenomena, and on a focus on increasingly popular social media platforms in China.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of The International Workshop of Information Technology and Internet Finance, Chengdu, China 25 June 2014
    EditorsKarl Reiner Lang, Hong Sheng
    Number of pages13
    Place of PublicationChengdu
    PublisherSouthwestern University of Finance and Economics [Chengdu, Sichuan]
    Publication date2014
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    EventThe 18th Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems. PACIS 2014 - Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), Chengdu, China
    Duration: 24 Jun 201428 Jun 2014
    Conference number: 18
    http://pacis2014.org/

    Conference

    ConferenceThe 18th Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems. PACIS 2014
    Number18
    LocationSouthwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE)
    Country/TerritoryChina
    CityChengdu
    Period24/06/201428/06/2014
    Internet address

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