"Online name-calling" has then attracted extensive public attention. Indeed, the Internet has provided a great platform for public opinion. The number of China's mobile Internet users reached 750 million in October, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Nov. 29. Back in 2011, Zero2IPO Research Center forecast the number to be around 520 million by 2012, and Analysys International forecast it to surpass 600 million. Along with the rapid increase in the number of Internet users, various forms of democratic politics such as e-governance and combating corruption through micro-blogging are gaining popularity in China. Due to the fashionableness and convenience of the Internet, the government often only obtains the opinions of netizens when it seeks public advice on policies or laws.
Public opinion is often expressed on the Internet, but do netizens' opinions equate with public opinion?
Netizens' opinions equate with public opinion only on two conditions. First, all people are technologically able to express their opinions on the Internet at any time. Second, they have the will and right to express their real opinions on the Internet.
Spectacular images of erupting volcanoes
Feedback
RSS
