Network Public Opinions, Public Welfare Risks and Democratic Governance in China

In today's China, media falls into two main categories. One category is mainstream media, such as party newspapers, national televisions, state news agencies and so on, which is intended to publicize the party's theories and guidelines, principles and policies and disseminate socialist core values; the other is network media, such as micro blogs, BBS, QQ, China's most popular instant messaging service, and blogs, through which people criticize current affairs, discuss government actions and other hot issues in society. Actually, the internet has transformed into a huge hub where a. variety of thoughts and opinions can be heard, thus conquering the dominant position in shaping public opinion. In 2011, Guo Mei-mei became the hottest internet catchphrase. Fuelled by online media, government-operated charity and public welfare have entered the center of public life. Although strong suspicions and huge disappointment brought by wide public concern have led to sharp decrease in donations and people at the lowest rungs of the social ladder have fallen victim to the consequences, the development of online media in China have not only changed our lifestyle greatly but also produced a positive effect on China's move towards democracy. More and more ordinary people have already begun to use the Internet to participate in public politics and play a significant role in influencing public policy.