China’s cyberspace takes on a new complexion: Cyber cannibalism by [China Daily]

China’s cyberspace takes on a new complexion: Cyber cannibalism.

The Chinese internet phenomenon of “human flesh search” (人肉搜索) seems to have extended to become a tool for cyber-bullying; in the case of this article, refers to one mooted in arguably misplaced loyalties to icons of popular culture.

So it seems the Chinese are continuing to show signs of speaking up, though this time its application works beyond its initial stigma of being used to identify and expose individuals for public humiliation out of nationalistic sentiment, exposing corruption or even as a stand against the Great Firewall.

China’s critical mass of 300 million microblog/weibo subscribers means the speed of such searches has never been greater.

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Cyber cannibalism
By Duan Yan and Cao Yin
Source – China Daily, published January 2, 2012

Source: China Daily USA

It’s called “human flesh search”, a cyber-bullying tool that can destroy a person’s privacy within hours. It happens most often in the dream merchandising industry of entertainment. Duan Yan and Cao Yin step into the world of micro-blogging celebrities and their voracious fans.

Celebrity gossip may be pleasant fodder for lunchtime conversations, but it can turn amazingly ferocious within the cyber world. The micro blog, or weibo, is China’s most popular social media network. It is also a tool for entertainment industry movers and shakers, celebrities and stars when they want to fan up ratings. But, sometimes, it can churn up a backlash of viral animosity.

Wang Jieyu, a director with a Beijing television station, was publicly berated by two young women who recognized him in a restaurant. Wang left the scene immediately and now wears a mask in public to avoid future confrontations.

Filed under: Censorship, China Daily, Chinese Model, Communications, Culture, Democracy, Domestic Growth, Government & Policy, Great Firewall, Greater China, Human Rights, Influence, International Relations, Internet, Media, People, Population, Social, Technology, The Chinese Identity, The construction of Chinese and Non-Chinese identities