Top microbloggers must well handle discourse power

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The prostitution scandal of Xue Biqun, a Chinese-American investor and verified celebrity microblogger also known as Xue Manzi, has stirred up a debate in China where public opinions are divided as to how to view these microbloggers.

Celebrity microbloggers are a new phenomenon in China. They were largely out of the mainstream discourse before. Some of them speak out on Weibo for their personal good, rather than public good. This is not completely inexplicable. But the problem is that, when faced with their suddenly inflated discourse power, some Weibo celebrities fail to deal with it properly.

According to media reports in January, Xue told a security guard, while being prevented from entering a venue, that "I am Xue Manzi with 9.87 million followers online." Some Weibo celebrities believe that online popularity should translate into real-life privileges.

Many of these microbloggers label themselves as "representatives of public opinions" and the "embodiment of justice." They believe they are the real drivers of China's reform, and judge the government based on the way they are treated. In their eyes, a "reformist" government would follow their requirements whereas a "conservative" government gives them the cold shoulder or regulates their words and deeds.

As their influence soars online, their lack of consideration for the public good and sense of social responsibility is increasingly prominent.

Xue is a typical example. On Weibo, he is eager to show an image of righteousness by calling for the Western political system to be promoted in China and voicing support for many mass incidents. But his involvement in soliciting prostitutes, to the surprise of many, exposes his personal virtue.

Discourse power is a special public right, and political discourse power is especially sensitive. Government officials are exposed to risks while handling public power. And Weibo celebrities also need to be capable of properly using their discourse power, rather than abusing it.

Some celebrity microbloggers wonder why it is so "troublesome" for them to have "freedom of speech." We hope this is just naivety that will ultimately fade away as they learn to deal with their discourse power in a more responsible and sincere way.

The Internet, especially Weibo, contributes greatly to diversified public opinions and promotes the nation's reform. But it remains a social test as to how to maintain the constructive meaning of online public debate. Weibo celebrities play a prominent role in this process, and they should endeavor to behave themselves online in a manner truly based on public interest.

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