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The Platformization of Propaganda: How Xuexi Qiangguo Expands Persuasion and Assesses Citizens in China

Publication ,  Journal Article
Liang, F; Chen, Y; Zhao, F
Published in: International Journal of Communication
January 1, 2021

This study examines China’s ambitions to strengthen propaganda by creating a platform called Xuexi Qiangguo. Though platform studies have explored the important role of the U.S.-based platforms, we know very little about the intervention of state power in the design and operation of digital platforms. Using a mixed-methods approach, this article examines the technology, content, and users of Xuexi Qiangguo. The results suggest that the power the platform wields operates through its restrictive control modes, platformized persuasion modes, and user datafication. We reveal that online activities are largely limited to information learning and knowledge testing, and meantime, the platform constantly rates and ranks user behavior. Consequently, Xuexi Qiangguo enables state power to penetrate institutional structures and power relations into the online environment, replacing the conventional multisided markets with state-citizen relations. Our study enriches the understanding of the way in which states operate a platform to reinforce ideological persuasion and citizen assessment.

Duke Scholars

Published In

International Journal of Communication

EISSN

1932-8036

Publication Date

January 1, 2021

Volume

15

Start / End Page

1855 / 1874

Related Subject Headings

  • 4701 Communication and media studies
  • 2001 Communication and Media Studies
  • 1903 Journalism and Professional Writing
  • 1902 Film, Television and Digital Media
 

Citation

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Liang, F., Chen, Y., & Zhao, F. (2021). The Platformization of Propaganda: How Xuexi Qiangguo Expands Persuasion and Assesses Citizens in China. International Journal of Communication, 15, 1855–1874.
Liang, F., Y. Chen, and F. Zhao. “The Platformization of Propaganda: How Xuexi Qiangguo Expands Persuasion and Assesses Citizens in China.” International Journal of Communication 15 (January 1, 2021): 1855–74.
Liang F, Chen Y, Zhao F. The Platformization of Propaganda: How Xuexi Qiangguo Expands Persuasion and Assesses Citizens in China. International Journal of Communication. 2021 Jan 1;15:1855–74.
Liang, F., et al. “The Platformization of Propaganda: How Xuexi Qiangguo Expands Persuasion and Assesses Citizens in China.” International Journal of Communication, vol. 15, Jan. 2021, pp. 1855–74.
Liang F, Chen Y, Zhao F. The Platformization of Propaganda: How Xuexi Qiangguo Expands Persuasion and Assesses Citizens in China. International Journal of Communication. 2021 Jan 1;15:1855–1874.

Published In

International Journal of Communication

EISSN

1932-8036

Publication Date

January 1, 2021

Volume

15

Start / End Page

1855 / 1874

Related Subject Headings

  • 4701 Communication and media studies
  • 2001 Communication and Media Studies
  • 1903 Journalism and Professional Writing
  • 1902 Film, Television and Digital Media