Appendix 1
A. Five Weibo Posts of Social Policies and Comments used in Study 1 Post 1
[New regulation on train ticket purchase: Transfer tickets must have 40 minutes interval in between] Based on information obtained from Chinese Railway 12306, our reporter learned that starting from September 21st, the time interval between two train tickets purchased will be increased. When purchasing two train tickets via the Internet, telephone, ticket vending machine, or ticket vending window, passengers should purchase two tickets that have a time interval of more than 40 minutes in between; otherwise, the transaction will not go through.
【火车票购票新规：换乘购票需间隔40分钟以上】记者从中国铁路12306获悉，从9 月21日起，购买火车票新增间隔时间限制，通过网络、电话、自动售票机、窗口等方 法购买2张或者以上火车票时，乘客所购买的2张车票需间隔40分钟以上，否则出票 失败。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A: "This regulation can prevent passengers from missing the second train."
Netizen B: "Support. The state must have considered more than you."
Netizen C: "40-minute time interval is pretty reasonable."
Netizen D: "Some stations don't have transfer service. The purpose of this act is to give consideration to those places."
Netizen E: "40 minutes are not bad. Are you so sure you won't run into any emergency? It is good to prepare early."
精选评论
网友A：“这样应该是为了能有效防止乘客错过第二班火车吧。”
网友B：“支持，国家考虑得肯定比你们多。”
网友C：“四十分钟的间隔时间还是比较合理的。”
网友D：“有些车站不具备快速换乘服务，这样做也是为了照顾到这些地方啊。”
网友E：“四十分不少了，你们就那么有把握中途不发生突发情况吗，做点提前量总是 好的。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A: "This is so unreasonable, right? Totally inconvenient for people."
Netizen B: "May I ask how the 40-minute time interval is calculated? Ten minutes are enough for the transfer in some stations!"
Netizen C: "Take the high-speed railways around Yangtze River Delta as an example. The commute time between many important stations is only half an hour or an hour, but train transfers alone need 40 minutes? "
Netizen D: "Fifteen minutes are enough. You don't need to go outside of the station for train transfers. Don't know the purpose of this regulation."
Netizen E: "The station should enhance its efficiency and provide a more convenient transfer service. People should be responsible for their own late arrival. This one-size-fits-all policy is no good.
网友评论
网友A：“这也太不合理了吧？完全不利民便民。”
网友B：“请问这四十分钟是怎么计算出来的？有些站点之间的换乘十分钟都夠了！”
网友C：“以长三角区域高铁为例，很多重要站点之间通勤时间全程不过半个小时一个 小时，光换乘就要等四十分钟？”
网友D：“十五分钟就足夠了，换乘又不需要出站，不知道这个政策目的是为什么。”
网友E：“车站应该提高效率，提供更加便捷的换乘服务，谁迟到谁自己负责，而不是
这样一刀切。”
Post 2
[National Radio and Television Administration: Prohibition of broadcast of overseas audiovisual programs during prime time] Today (20th), National Radio and Television Administration issued Management regulations on overseas personnel participating in Radio and television program production (Consultation Paper). The paper proposes that without the approval of the State Council’s department of radio and television, radio and television broadcasting institutions shall not broadcast overseas audiovisual programs from 19:00 to 22:00. The broadcasting time of overseas movies, TV series, cartoons, documentaries and other overseas TV shows shall not exceed 30% of the total broadcasting time of domestic programs of the same kind. The paper makes it clear that overseas radio and television programs must not contain content that infringes on the legal rights and interests of adolescents or harms the physical and mental health of adolescents. It is not allowed to introduce or disseminate programs produced by organizations or individuals that engage in activities which damage the dignity, honor and interests of the Chinese nation, endanger social stability, and hurt national feelings.
【广电总局：黄金时间段拟禁播境外视听节目】国家广播电视总局今日（20日）发布 关于《境外人员参加广播电视节目制作管理规定（征求意见稿）》。意见稿指出，未 经国务院广播电视主管部门批准，广播电视播出机构不得在19 00—22 00∶ ∶ 播出境外视 听节目。广播电视播出机构各频道每天播出的境外电影、电视剧、动画片、纪录片和 其他境外电视节目，不得超过当天该类别节目总播出时间的 30%。意见稿明确，不得 含有侵害未成年人合法权益或者损害未成年人身心健康的（内容）；不得引进、传播 从事损害中国国家尊严、荣誉和利益，危害社会稳定，伤害民族感情等活动的境外组 织参与制作或有上述行为的个人参加的节目。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A: "There are indeed many vulgar overseas programs that have huge impact on teenagers."
Netizen B: "Support. Otherwise, everyone is brainwashed by those overseas programs."
Netizen C: "It is necessary to protect domestic programs. It's conducive to the development of domestic show business."
Netizen D: "It's only a prohibition of overseas programs during the prime time, not the whole day. It's nothing unacceptable."
Netizen E: "You can watch overseas programs online if you want. It is reasonable to broadcast our own domestic programs on television."
精选评论
网友A：“确实有很多境外节目内容低俗，对青少年影响很大。”
网友B：“支持啊，免得大家都被国外这些节目洗脑了。”
网友C：“对于国产节目的保护还是很有必要的，有助于国内影视行业的发展。”
网友D：“又不是全天都不允许播出国外的节目，只在黄金時段限制一下，也没什么不
可以的。”
网友E： “想看国外的节目可以自己去网上看啊，在电视上播出自己国家的节目很合 理。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A: "Aren't we talking about opening up to the world? But now we are not even allowed to watch overseas programs anymore?"
Netizen B: "If that's the case why don't we just watch Xinwen lianbo (CCTV News broadcast) everyday."
Netizen C: "Not many young people like watching TV in the first place. If so, no one would watch TV anymore."
Netizen D: "So overseas programs like Olympics and World Cup are not allowed to broadcast?"
Netizen E: "Domestic programs are not that good anyway. Why protect them?"
网友评论
网友A：“不是说要对外开放吗？连国外的节目都不允许看了吗？”
网友B：“这样下去干脆每天都只看新闻联播算了。”
网友C： “本来年轻人也没多少人喜欢看电视了，再这样下去根本没有人会看电视了 吧？”
网友D：“那奥运会，世界杯这样的境外节目，是不是也不许播了？”
网友E：“国产节目本来也不好看，还保护它们干嘛？”
Post 3
[In the future, each game may be subject to a 35% special tax. Board games are regulated first] According to Southern Metropolis Daily, in addition to the control of the total number of games, there will be a quota system for games and a special tax for the game industry in the future, which are similar to the tobacco tax. According to industry insiders, each game may be subject to a 35% tax. The board games will be regulated first.
【未来每款游戏或将征收35%专项税 棋牌类游戏首先被调控】据南方都市报报道，除 了游戏总量控制外，未来还将有游戏版号配额制和游戏行业专项税，后者类似于烟草 税，据业内人士，每款游戏可能将会征收35%的税款。而棋牌类游戏将首先被调控。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A: "Games should be subject to a heavy tax like tobacco."
Netizen B: "These days kids and teenagers are addicted to games. It is time to regulate the game industry."
Netizen C: "Game industry has huge profits. It is a good thing to use taxation to improve people's livelihood."
Netizen D: "Support. It prevents teenagers from being addicted to games and protects the vision and physical and mental health of children."
Netizen E: "Taxing the game industry does not stop you from playing games. Instead, it can improve the quality of games and allow really good games to enter the market."
精选评论
网友A：“游戏确实应该像烟草一样，课以重税。”
网友B：“现在的小孩和青少年都沉迷游戏了，是应该对游戏行业进行管制了。”
网友C：“游戏行业真是暴利行业啊，拿这些税收的钱去改善民生是好事。”
网友D：“支持。防止青少年沉迷游戏，保护孩子们的视力和身心的健康发展。”
网友E：“对游戏行业收税又不是不让你们玩游戏，反而可以提高游戏质量，让真正好 的游戏进入市场。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A: "Really running out of money? They won’t let go even the game industry."
Netizen B: "Playing games is my only spiritual sustenance. Now you don't even allow people to play games?"
Netizen C: "That slight decrease in individual income tax that was just implemented is now compensated from other sources."
Netizen D: "Is there anything that won't be taxed these years?"
Netizen E: "The cost of game development and operation is not low. With this amount of tax, the game industry will be killed."
网友评论
网友A：“这是有多缺钱？连游戏行业都不放过。”
网友B： “玩玩游戏已经是我唯一的精神寄托了，现在连游戏都要让大家玩不上了 吗？”
网友C：“个税刚降了那么一点，又从其他地方找补回来了。”
网友D：“这年头还有不收税的地方吗？”
网友E：“游戏开发运营成本本身就不低，还要加收这么多的税，等于直接杀死了游戏 产业了。”
Post 4
[One month of cooling-off period before divorce may be written into the civil code] Just now, the drafts of each subsection of the Civil Code are submitted for consideration. The part of the draft related to marriage and family stipulates that within one month from the date of submitting a divorce application, if any party is unwilling to divorce, he or she may withdraw the divorce application at the marriage registration office. After the expiration of the period, both parties shall apply for the divorce certificate in person at the marriage registration office within one month. For those who do not apply, their application will be withdrawn.
According to relevant personnel, the draft introduces a divorce cooling-off period because in practice, due to the simplicity of divorce procedures, the cases of divorce based on a rash decision have increased, which is not good for family stability.
【一个月离婚冷静期或将写进民法典】刚刚，民法典各分编草案提请审议，草案中有 关婚姻家庭编部分中规定：自收到离婚登记申请之日起一个月内，任何一方不愿意离 婚的，可以向婚姻登记撤回离婚申请。期满后，双方应当在一个月内亲自到婚姻登记 机关申请发给离婚证，未申请的，视为撤回离婚登记申请。据有关人员介绍，草案增 加了离婚冷静期的规定，实践中，由于离婚登记手续过于简便，轻率离婚的现象增多 ， 不利于家庭稳定。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A: "Support this decision. This law is beneficial to family harmony and stability."
Netizen B: "Divorce involves the property of both parties. One month cooling-off period is still necessary."
Netizen C: "If it is the case of domestic violence, even if there is no one month cooling-off period, one party may not agree (to stay in marriage anymore). It is only useful to sue to the court. So (in this case) cooling-off period doesn't apply."
Netizen D: "For those who worry about domestic violence, if that's the case, they won't go through the normal divorce procedure in the first place, but through the court. The one-month period won't exist."
Netizen E: "The cooling-off period is applied only to divorce by agreement not divorce by litigation. If domestic violence is involved, they can go through divorce by litigation. It's not relevant to this cooling-off period."
精选评论
网友A：“支持这一决定，这一法律有利于家庭和谐稳定。”
网友B：“离婚涉及双方财产问题，一个月的冷静期还是很有必要的。”
网友C：“如果家暴这种情况就算没有一个月冷静期可能有一方也不会同意，只能告上 法院才有用，这时候就不存在冷静期了吧。”
网友D：“那些担心因为家暴的，家暴是诉讼离婚，如果家暴，那第一次也不会是去正 常离婚，而是走法院了，不存在那一个月。”
网友E：“冷静期只适用于协议离婚，不适用于诉讼离婚。如果家暴存在，直接诉讼离
婚，跟这个冷静期无关的。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A: "How come the relationship between two people has anything to do with you? If they don't want to be together, they can divorce. If they are good, they can get married.
Personal freedom is none of your business. Who can determine if one's family is harmonious and stable or not?"
Netizen B: "Why need a cooling-off period for divorce? If they are already at the civil affairs bureau, how come they haven't thought it through?"
Netizen C: "The most oppressed group in China are women, and women suffer the most from marriage. Therefore, if one party insists on divorce, then divorce shall be allowed. This is in the interest of women."
Netizen D: "What if one is cheating, gambling, using cold violence, concealing sexual orientation, etc.? Domestic violence is not the only reason for divorce. (This act) is a violation of human rights."
Netizen E: "Where is the freedom of marriage? Freedom of marriage includes freedom of divorce! Isn't increasing the cost of divorce another way of decreasing the marriage rate?"
网友评论
网友A：“俩人过不过跟你有什么关系？不乐意过了就离，俩人好了就结，个人自由用 得着你管吗？家庭稳不稳定好不好谁说了算？”
网友B：“离婚要什么冷静期？都能闹到去民政局办手续的程度了，有几个是没冷静地 仔细地考虑过的？”
网友C：“中国最受压迫的是妇女、婚姻问题上妇女所受痛苦最深，所以一方坚持要离 就可以离，才符合广大妇女的利益。”
网友D：“如果因为对方出轨、赌博、冷暴力、隐瞒性取向等等问题呢？离婚不是只有 家暴一个原因的，这侵犯人权。”
网友E：“婚姻自由呢？婚姻自由可包括了离婚自由啊！提高离婚成本，这样不是变相
降低结婚率吗？”
Post 5
[Director of the Ministry of Education agrees with "the transfer from university studentship to junior college studentship": Some undergraduates are leading a befuddled life] Public attention has been drawn to an issue that 18 undergraduates in Huazhong University of Science and Technology were demoted to junior college students because of their academic underachievement. Wu Yan, Director of the Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education agrees, "undergraduates these days are leading a befuddled life, which is certainly not acceptable," he says, "it is appropriate to increase the failure rate of graduating on time, and that some undergraduates will be deregistered is inevitable."
【教育部司长肯定“本转专”：有些大学生醉生梦死】华中科技大学18人因学分不达标 本科转专科，引发关注。教育部高教司司长吴岩给予肯定：“现在大学里，有些学生醉 生梦死，这样是不行的。”吴岩表示，“适度增加学生不能按时毕业是应该的，本科生 有一定的淘汰率也是必然。”
Recommended Comments
Netizen A: "It's a good thing. Too many students are muddling along."
Netizen B: "It helps students take their study seriously. The performance of many graduates does not match with their university diplomas these days."
Netizen C: "Only in this way can the quality of education and the quality of graduates be guaranteed."
Netizen D: "(Undergraduates) should have been strictly disciplined earlier. College students now do nothing but eat, drink and play."
Netizen E: "College students should study hard at colleges. Agree with easy-way-in and hard- way-out. Otherwise, it is a waste of educational resources and parents' money."
精选评论
网友A：“好事情，混日子的学生太多了。”
网友B：“有助于学生好好对待学业，现在大学生拿着文凭却没有本科水平。”
网友C：“这样才能保证教育质量和毕业生的质量。”
网友D：“早都该严格管教了。现在的大学生除了吃喝玩乐什么也不会。”
网友E：“大学生在校就应该认真学习，赞同宽进严出。不然是浪费了教育资源和父母 的钱。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A: "What about those teachers who muddle through class hours and don't take teaching seriously?"
Netizen B: "Many university lecturers don't teach seriously these days, but do their side business really well. Their minds are completely not in teaching. Why not regulate them?"
Netizen C: "This is downplaying junior colleges. Universities and junior colleges share different training styles. In many cases, junior colleges are better at fostering technical personnel."
Netizen D: "How about a transfer from professor to teaching assistant? I am a law school student. We have a professor who owns a law firm and only gives us three lectures out of sixteen required lectures."
Netizen E: "Actually I think the transfer also applies to teachers. Some teachers in universities don't teach seriously but talk nonsense. They are irresponsible."
网友评论
网友A：“那混课时的老师，不把教学当一回事的老师又该怎么处理？”
网友B：“现在很多大学老师上课不好好教，副业却做得风生水起，心思完全不在教学 上，这怎么不管管？
网友C：“这样是贬低专科。专科和本科是不同的培养思路，很多情况下，专科更善于
培养技术人员。”
网友D：“要不也来个‘教转助’（教授转助教）？本人法学生，我们有个老师开了律师 事务所，总共十六节课的课程他给我们上了三节课。”
网友E：“其实我觉得老师也应该转，一些大学老师上课不讲课净是乱讲，一点也不负 责任。”
B. Three Example Weibo Posts of Social Policies and Comments used in Study 2 Example Post 1
[#Renren film and television subtitle translation group was seized# More than 16 million RMB involved] The Shanghai Police detected a case of copyright infringement. The website of Renren film and television subtitle translation group was found to have over 16 million RMB involved in the case. The Shanghai police arrested 14 criminal suspects, seized 3 companies involved, and captured 20 cell phones and 12 computers. The overall amount of money involved in the case is around 16 million RMB.
【#人人影视字幕组被查获#涉案金额1600余万元】上海警方侦破一起侵犯影视作品著 作权案，“人人影视字幕组”网站涉案金额1600余万元。上海警方抓获犯罪嫌疑人14名，
查处涉案公司3家，查获作案用手机20部和电脑主机、服务器12台，涉案金额1600 余万元。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A:"Respect the copyright awareness, and build a law-abiding society!"
Netizen B:"The importance of intellectual property rights is beyond doubt."
Netizen C:" Support. Protect the intellectual property and improve the legal system. Prepare for the future development of film and television industry."
Netizen D:"To respect the copyright and to protect the rights of creators are the top priority of the cultural industry."
Netizens E:"Respecting the copyright starts with me."
精选评论
网友A：“尊重版权意识，建设法制社会！”
网友B：“知识产权的重要性毋庸置疑。”
网友C：“支持，保护知识产权并且推进法治建设，为未来的影视作品引进方式的发 展铺路。”
网友D：“尊重版权，维护创作者权益，是文化产业的重中之重。”
网友E：“尊重版权，从我做起。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A:"Even for a person like me who always hope that we can wipe out the pirated films and shows, I must say that Renren film and television subtitle translation group would not have such a big influence if it wasn't for the state's one-size-fits-all regulation that cuts off the mutual cultural exchanges (between China and foreign countries). Why is illegal business
thriving? Because you ban the legal business."
Netizen B:"(Domestic) popular actors and actresses have absolutely no acting skill.
(Domestic) Films and TV shows are boring and outrageous. Marketing of (domestic) Films and TV shows has no commercial principle. The problem is not that it takes too long for the government to audit imported American shows or South Korean shows. Rather, it is that Chinese shows cannot attract audiences. If Chinese shows are good, who would watch American shows?"
Netizen C:"Since it is a society with the rule of law, you must be conscientious when you do things. If it wasn't because of the Great Firewall, there won't be thousands of shows translated by netizens."
Netizen D:"Outside the Great Firewall our culture is being stolen, but you don’t care.
(However) Inside the Great Firewall, you throw a heavy punch."
Netizen E:"I dare you to release the uncensored shows with legal copyrights. I bet the official translation is worse than the Renren translation."
网友评论
网友A：“一直希望能剿灭盗版的我现在都得说一句，但凡不要搞一刀切，把文化传
播的双向性重视起来，人人影视也做不大。私盐为什么卖得好？因为你官盐关仓了 呀！”
网友B：“流量明星毫无演技，剧情拖沓夸张狗血，炒作营销毫无底线。现在不是正
版美剧韩剧审核时间长的问题，而是国产剧没法服众的痛点。如果国产好看，谁会 抢着去看美剧呢？”
网友C：“既然是法治社会，做事就更要讲良心，如若不是一堵墙，何来千万网友翻 译剧集？”
网友D：“在墙外某国偷盗我们文化连个对抗的战场都找不到，对内倒是重拳出击。”
网友E：“有本事把无删减版的正版放出来啊，正版翻译也没有字幕组用心。”
Example Post 2
[#New regulations on domestic waste sorting# Starting from today, the new version of Regulations on the Management of Domestic Waste will become effective. The most important characteristic of the new regulations is that it takes compulsory measures to regulate individuals as well as organizations to sort garbage, plus penalties. There are four categories of domestic wastes, and there are four corresponding colored waste containers.
Among those, the green container is for kitchen wastes, the blue container is for recyclable wastes, and the red container is for hazard wastes.
【#生活垃圾分类新规#】从今天起，新版的《生活垃圾管理条例》正式实施。新版条 例最大的特点就是对单位和个人分类投放垃圾采取强制措施，有了处罚条款。生活垃 圾分为四大基本品类，设四色垃圾桶。其中绿色桶是厨余垃圾，蓝色桶是可回收物，
红色桶是有害。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A:"Very good. Such a policy should be promoted."
Netizen B:"Pay attention to environmental protection. Sorting the garbage starts with me."
Netizen C:"(I) suggest that we should promote this policy nationwide."
Netizen D:" Everyone is responsible for protecting the environment. Sorting the garbage properly is the result of effective training."
Netizen E:"Protecting the environment is a lesson we must learn."
精选评论
网友A：“很棒，建议推广。”
网友B：“关注环保，垃圾分类，从我做起！”
网友C：“建议全国推广。”
网友D：“环保人人有责，垃圾分类好，培训才有效。”
网友E：“保护环境，这是我们的必修课”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A:"It's unreasonable! Moving against the historical trend. Intensification and division of labors are the trend of society. These things should be done by professionals, not citizens.
The overall social labor efficiency will go down, while conflicts will increase. Making policies without thinking. How did you think of that policy?"
Netizen B:"Talking about these useless things all the time."
Netizen C:"There is no notification in the community at all. The waste containers remain the same. Don't know where to sort the garbage."
Netizen D:"There is no one in our community to manage this. The containers are the same.
The garbage is all over the ground and nobody is managing."
Netizen E:"The community doesn't arrange any new waste containers. The containers remain the same."
网友评论
网友A：“就是不合理！反历史潮流而动，集约化和专业分工是社会发展大趋势，本应
该由专业公司专业人士来做的事情推给普通老百姓，整个社会的劳动效率被拉低，矛 盾增加，一拍脑袋就出个政策，咋想的。”
网友B：“净扯这些没用的。”
网友C：“小区没有任何通知，垃圾桶也还是以前的，分类了不知道往哪扔。”
网友D：“我们小区都没人管，垃圾桶还是原来的，地下全是垃圾，都没人管理。”
网友E：“小区都没安排相应的垃圾桶，还是和以前一样一个垃圾桶。”
Example Post 3
[#Procedure of punishment for and comeback of artists with misconduct#] The procedure of punishment for and comeback of artists with misconduct was first established. Depending on the seriousness of the misconducts of artists, a boycott against them may last for one year,
three years, five years or permanently. If the artists who are boycotted need to continue to engage in performing activities, they shall appeal to the Moral Construction Committee. The committee will decide whether the artists can return to show business after a comprehensive evaluation. As the procedure is only under the self-disciplined management norms of the entertainment industry, the procedure is only applicable within the industry, and no social reporting channels will be set up. The procedure will be tried out starting from March 1, 2021 and the law is not retroactive.
【#劣迹艺人惩戒复出程序#】劣迹艺人惩戒复出程序业内首次明确。根据演艺人员违 反从业规范情节轻重及危害程度，分别实施1年、3年、5年和永久等不同程度的行业 联合抵制。受到联合抵制的演艺人员需要继续从事演出活动的，向道德建设委员会提 出申请，经委员会综合评议后，给予是否同意复出的意见。由于本办法是行业自律管 理规范，适用范围仅限行业内，将不设立社会举报渠道。管理办法自 2021年3月1日 正式试行，不溯及过往，之前的相关情况均不适用于该办法。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A:"We support the management of artists and hope that artists can set a good example for the public and restrain themselves as well as their fans. At the same time, we also hope that not only the artists, but also the media can strengthen the management, putting an end to the bad atmosphere in the show business. The past is the past, but from now on the regulations on artists must be strictly implemented.
Netizen B:"(Artists) should learn morality before learning arts, and (artists) should behave morally before giving performance."
Netizen C:"Public order and good custom are the bottom line. Zero tolerance to artists who have drug problems, engage in prostitution and have affairs with others."
Netizen D:"Support. Let professional people do professional things."
Netizen E:"Support. Hope that (the procedure) stays fair and square!"
精选评论
网友A：“支持对艺人的管理，也希望艺人们能做好带头榜样，好好约束自己和粉丝群 体。同时也希望不仅仅是艺人群体，媒体群体也可以加强管理，杜绝传播不良风气，
不溯及过往，往后必定严加管理。”
网友B：“学艺先学德，演戏先做人。”
网友C：“公序良俗是底线，零容忍吸毒嫖娼出轨的艺人。”
网友D：“支持，专业的人做专业的事。”
网友E：“支持，希望公平公正！”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A:"If the artist already has a history of misconduct, why should allow him or her to return to the show business? An artist must no longer engage in negative news right after the time he or she became a public figure, otherwise do not enter the show business. Don't say that artists are also ordinary people as it is not the excuse! If you want to complain, you can choose to be an ordinary people. No one says you must be an artist!"
Netizen B:"Why allow them to return?"
Netizen C:"Why the procedure is not retroactive? Is it because if it is retroactive then half of the show business will collapse? Should learn from the state's anti-corruption campaign and investigate backward up to twenty years. And why is it acceptable for artists to do lip-synch on TV or at the gala? This is a kind of connivance. How do committee members supervise each other? What if there is a bribery? Too many hidden dangers. Cannot see the state's determination to deal with the problem. I am afraid the public may be expecting for nothing in the end!"
Netizen D:"To conclude, the Television station cannot regulate those artists, and there is no social reporting channel, and anything happened before March 1, 2021 is none of the committee's business. It's a self-supervision within the industry, and has nothing to do with you."
Netizen E:"The key point here is whether the Moral Construction Committee has the power to successfully manage those artists. If not, then it's pointless."
网友评论
网友A：“艺人都劣迹了，还复出个啥！艺人在作为公众人物那一刻起，就必须无负面 证实新闻，否则别进入！别说啥都是人啥的，这不是艺人能犯错的理由！要是抱怨，
那你可以当普通人的，没人规定你要当艺人！”
网友B：“为什么要有复出？”
网友C：“为啥不溯及过往，是不是溯及过往，娱乐圈大半壁江山就沦陷了啊……应该 学学国家反腐败倒查二十年，而且凭啥电视台或者晚会假唱就可以呢？这也是在变相 的纵容！而且道德委员会里面的人怎么相互监督呢？出现贿赂和潜规则的情况呢？！
隐患多，实在看不出国家或者有关部门的决心，就大众最后怕空期待一场！”
网友D：“总结，电视台管不了，社会举报监督与他们无关，2021年3月1日前的事不 管，行业内的自我监督机制，与你无关，业内人的地盘。”
网友E：“关键是道德委员会管的住吗？管不住的话等于没说。”
C. Five Weibo Posts of Social Policies and Comments used in Study 2 Post 4
[#Invite celebrities to issue marriage certificates#] The Civil Affairs Department of Shandong Province will actively promote humanized certificate-issuing services and promote the construction of marriage-related custom while advocating diligence and thrift. Humanized certificate-issuing service refers to the invitation of local leaders and social celebrities to issue marriage certificates to newly married couples, and encourage the couples to invite their relatives and friends to witness the ceremony. This policy aims to replace the extravagant wedding ceremonies with a solemn and sacred marriage registration ceremony, so that new couples can announce the birth of a new family to society under the solemn and scared marriage law.
【#邀社会名人颁发结婚证件#】山东省民政部门将积极推广人性化的颁证服务，推动 构建崇尚勤俭节约的婚姻礼俗。人性化的颁证服务，就是可以邀请地方领导、社会名 人颁发结婚证件，鼓励婚姻登记当事人邀请亲朋好友共同见证，用庄严神圣的结婚登 记颁证仪式替代大操大办的婚礼仪式，使新人在庄重神圣的婚姻法律殿堂内向社会宣 告一个新家庭的诞生。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A:"Humanized certificate-issuing service."
Netizen B:"Quite a good solution. The policy helps promote a good social atmosphere!"
Netizen C:"Support! Making the couples cherish the marriage certificate more."
Netizen D:"Quite good. Humanized certificate-issuing service can help promote the construction of good marriage custom."
Netizen E:"This kind of humanized marriage ceremony is more meaningful."
精选评论
网友A：“人性化的颁证服务。”
网友B：“挺好的一个办法，对推进社会风气有一定的作用！”
网友C：“支持！让小两口的证更加有重量。”
网友D：“挺好的，人性化颁证服务，可以推动构建好的婚姻礼俗。”
网友E：“这种人性化的婚礼，才比较有意义。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A:"How long has it been since the last time teachers got a pay raise? Is pension sufficient enough for the elderly? Housing price is sky high and the average salary in the U.S.
is US$2600, which is way higher than the average salary in China. (Why do) you pay no attention to these problems but care about whether people hold a wedding or not? Don't you know holding a wedding can solve a lot of financial problems for a newly married couple?
Extravagance and waste? Sorry, our salary is too low and we can only expect to receive some red envelops during the wedding to solve the financial problems!"
Netizen B:"Whether the marriage is happy or not has nothing to do with who issues the marriage certificate."
Netizen C:"It's nonsense. If you have so much spare time, why don't you do something practical?"
Netizen D:"Isn't happiness the most important thing for the couple?"
Netizen E:"Is there any relationship between celebrities issuing certificate and advocating thrift? I don't understand."
网友评论
网友A：“教师工资多久没涨了？养老金够不够养老？房价居高不下，美国平均工资 2600美元一个月是中国的多少倍！这种问题不管来管老百姓结婚摆不摆酒？你们知不 知道摆酒能解决一对小夫妻经济上面多少问题？铺张浪费？对不住，我们工资都太低 了，都是指望摆摆酒收点红包解决经济问题而已！”
网友B：“婚姻幸不幸福跟谁发证没关系。”
网友C：“这不是瞎扯淡嘛，有这闲工夫办点实事不好吗？”
网友D：“两个人幸福不幸福最重要吧？”
网友E：“名人颁布和崇尚节俭有什么直接关系吗？不懂。”
Post 5
[In future, each game may be subject to a 35% special tax. Board games are regulated first]
According to Southern Metropolis Daily, in addition to the control of the total amount of games, there will be a game version number quota system and a game industry special tax in the future, which is similar to the tobacco tax. According to game industry insiders, each game may be subject to a 35% tax. The board games will be regulated first.
【未来每款游戏或将征收35%专项税 棋牌类游戏首先被调控】据南方都市报报道，除 了游戏总量控制外，未来还将有游戏版号配额制和游戏行业专项税，后者类似于烟草 税，据业内人士，每款游戏可能将会征收35%的税款。而棋牌类游戏将首先被调控。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A:"If mobile games are not regulated, many people will be destroyed."
Netizen B:"Should have done so long time ago!!"
Netizen C:"The game harms not only the adults, but also the young generation. Nowadays,
as long as you open the videos, almost all of the videos are game tutorials. I've lost faith in the future. "
Netizen D:"The taxes are not enough. Now the games are everywhere and many teenagers are addicted to them!"
Netizen E:"(I) support the taxation."
精选评论
网友A：“手机游戏再不管制，会毁掉很多人。”
网友B：“早该这样了！！”
网友C：“游戏不但害了大人，连祖国的花朵都不放过。现在只要打开视频，几乎都是
游戏教程。我对未来丧失了信心。”
网友D：“税收少了。现在游戏泛滥，很多青少年都沉溺其中！”
网友E：“支持纳税。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A:"I really want to say that other than tax and money, are there any solutions? When a problem arises, instead of thinking about how to solve it, you think about how to make more money out of it."
Netizen B:"China's game industry is not thriving anyway. Now it's going to be the end of domestic game industry."
Netizen C:"Taxing 35%. Can games make a lot of profit? This 35% will directly kill the independent game production teams."
Netizen D:"Instead of monitoring teenagers, you always think about making money out of adults. With such a high tax, consumers will eventually bear all the cost."
Netizen E:"How about learning a little bit about the rating system? Really (unreasonable) that you don't rate the movies and the games. If you can sort different games into different age groups, I think it'd be better. At least better than levying taxes."
网友评论
网友A：“真想说。除了税，除了钱，还能有点别的法子吗？发现任何问题不是去治理 而是想着捞钱。”
网友B：“中国游戏产业本来就不怎么样，现在这么一搞国产游戏要完蛋啊。”
网友C：“收35%，游戏利润很高吗？这35%会直接杀死独立游戏制作团队。”
网友D：“不好好管控未成年，只想从成年人身上掏钱 这么高的税，最后就是全部成为
消费者来承担这些费用。”
网友E：“分级了解一下？真的，电影不分级，游戏不分级。如果这些都能按年龄段划 分，我想能更好一些。至少比收钱好。”
Post 6
[Divorce cooling-off period may be written into the civil code] In recent years, the divorce rate has been rising and fast-divorce cases are increasing. People get divorced just because of
small things. The Civil Code plans to set up a one-month divorce cooling-off period. The draft stipulates that within one month from the date of submitting a divorce application, if any party is unwilling to divorce, he/she may withdraw the divorce application at the marriage registration office. After the expiration of the period, both parties shall apply for the divorce certificate in person at the marriage registration office within one month. For those who do not apply, their application will be withdrawn.
【离婚冷静期拟写入民法典】近年来，我国离婚率逐年上升，“闪离”现象增多，甚至 一言不合就离婚。民法典婚姻家庭编草案拟规定一个月的离婚冷静期。草案规定，自 婚姻登记机关收到离婚登记申请之日起一个月内，任何一方不愿意离婚的，可以向婚 姻登记机关撤回离婚申请。前款规定期间届满一个月内，双方应当亲自到婚姻登记机 关申请发给离婚证；未申请的，视为撤回离婚登记申请。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A:"(I) support the divorce cooling-off period."
Netizen B:"The time is still a bit short. It'd be better to make it a year."
Netizen C:"Now people have many thoughts and get divorced without thinking. It's not like our grandparents who keep company with each other till they are old."
Netizen D:"(The policy makers) have no choice."
Netizen E:"Many impulsive divorces."
精选评论
网友A：“支持结婚冷静期。”
网友B：“时间还是有点短，一年多好。”
网友C：“这年头，人的想法太多，说离就离，哪像爷爷奶奶那辈的白头偕老。”
网友D：“也是无奈之举。”
网友E：“冲动离婚的很多。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A:"This (policy) is moving backward."
Netizen B:"Actually, strictly speaking, the 'cooling-off period of getting married' may be more important."
Netizen C: "'After the expiration of the period, both parties shall apply for the divorce certificate in person at the marriage registration office within one month. For those who do not apply, their application will be withdrawn.' This is no longer the problem of setting barriers to divorce, but not allowing you to divorce at all."
Netizen D:"I disagree. I firmly uphold the freedom of marriage. If it takes two people's consents to get married, why does withdrawing a divorce application requires only one person’s veto? Does the new regulation allow a second divorce application when one wants to divorce while the other doesn't? How can the new regulation stop all forms of domestic violence from happening again?"
Netizen E:"It is the cooling-off period of getting married, not getting divorced, that is needed.
It takes many things to happen before one decides to get divorced. The reason that there are many quick-divorces is because there are many quick-marriages. Many people are not meant for each other anyway but they get married because of impulse or their parents' opinions.
Once they realize they are being hijacked by the marriage, they will get a divorce."
网友评论
网友A：“这是倒退了。”
网友B：“其实，严格来说，‘结婚冷静期’或许更重要。”
网友C：“前款规定期间届满一个月内，双方应当亲自到婚姻登记机关申请发给离婚证；
未申请的，视为撤回离婚登记申请。’这已经不是给离婚设置障碍的问题了，这压根是 不许离婚。”
网友D：“我反对。坚决维护婚姻自由。如果结婚都需要两人同意，为何撤销离婚只需
要一人反悔？新规定如何保障另一方结束婚姻的权利？新规定是否允许在一方反悔离 婚另一方坚持离婚的情况下可以二次递交离婚申请？新规定又如何保障各种形式的家 暴不再获得第二次机会？”
网友E：“需要的是结婚冷静期，离婚不需要，多少事情才促使真的想要离婚。闪离的 原因很多是因为闪婚，本来就不合适，脑子一热就结婚，舆论一有就结婚，其实根本 就是强弩之末，还非要结婚绑架，看透了要离了。”
Post 7
[#Anti-wasting food law#] Today, #the anti-wasting food law has been submitted for review#
The law regulates that one is forbidden to make, publish, spread and publicize videos or radios about binge eating. Those so-called "big stomach king" on the Internet will be regulated by the law.
【#反食品浪费法#】今天，#反食品浪费法草案提交审议#。草案规定，禁止制作、发 布、传播宣扬量大多吃、暴饮暴食等浪费食品的节目或音视频信息。互联网上所谓的
“大胃王吃播”，即将受到法律的明确规范。
Recommended Comments Netizen A:"Save food."
Netizen B:"Cherish food."
Netizen C:"Every single grain is the fruit of hard work."
Netizen D:"Say no to waste."
Netizen E:"(I) support. Don't waste food."
精选评论
网友A：“节约粮食。”
网友B：“珍惜粮食。”
网友C：“粒粒皆辛苦。”
网友D：“拒绝浪费。”
网友E：“支持，不浪费粮食。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A:"Morality is morality, and law is law. It could be a big problem if you mix up these two."
Netizen B:"What does anti-wasting food law have anything to do with food broadcasters?
What they do is normal business. Take steamed buns for example. The more steamed buns sold in restaurants, the higher the profit will be, and more taxes for the state. It's a bit similar to that mindless regulation on restricting actors' and actresses' salaries. As long as there is no tax evasion, the higher the actors' and actresses' salaries, the more taxes he or she will pay.
It'd be stupid to limit actors' and actresses' salaries. If we really want to save something, it'd better be the yearly governmental administrative expenses."
Netizen C:"The anti-wasting food law and the divorce cooling-off period are really confusing legislations, which logically don't make sense. Wastes do exist, but how to determine wastes?
Do the restaurants have the final say or the consumers have the final say? Who's the one to blame if the food is not well cooked, and tastes bad? Packing the food and taking it away and later on throw it away in the garbage containers will increase the difficulty and workload of garbage classification and environmental management."
Netizen D:"I would like to ask that why don't we come up with an anti-building houses law , since there are so many vacant houses? Don't just monitor ordinary people all the time.
People are not like those experts who have time to waste money and food. People know how much they earn and they don't have as much money as those experts who have money to waste. Please let those experts make policies that are truly needed."
Netizen E:"What if the food tastes bad? Should I force myself to eat it? Can I pack it and throw it away? I won't waste the food if the cook can cook it better."
网友评论
网友A：“道德的归道德，法律的归法律。要是混了，那就是大麻烦。”
网友B：“反食品浪费法，那跟吃播有啥关系？本身是正常的商业行为，比如说馒头，
饭店馒头卖的越多他的利润就越高，国家的税收也就越多，有点类似于那个缺心眼的 所谓的限制演员的薪酬，只要不偷税，演员的薪水越高交的税不就越多吗，脑子有水 的才限制演员的薪酬呢，如果真的要节约，那就正儿八经的一年的行政的费用减少。”
网友C：“反食品浪费法和离婚冷静期真的是迷之立法，从逻辑上就说不通。浪费确实
存在，但怎么判定是浪费呢？饭店说了算还是消费者说了算？做的难吃又算谁的？那 打包带走扔垃圾箱，更是增加垃圾分类，环境治理的难度和工作量吧。”
网友D：“请问空置房这么多为什么不出一个反房子乱盖浪费法啊，不要一天到晚去盯
着老百姓，老百姓其实没有专家吃饱的撑的有时间有钞票去浪费食品，老百姓自己有 多少收入自己很清楚没有专家这么有钱去浪费。专家去立法该立法的吧。”
网友E：“难吃怎么办？难吃我还得逼自己吃？打包我再丢了不行？但凡你做的好吃一
些，我也不会浪费。”
Post 8
[#Ministry of Education replied to the proposal of prevention of male teenagers' feminization# Proposal: (schools should) improve the allocation of physical education (P.E.) teachers and pay attention to the cultivation of "masculinity"] In response to the proposal on preventing the feminization of male teenagers proposed by members in the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the official website of the Ministry of Education issued a reply letter, saying that the Ministry of Education will make greater efforts to improve the quality and ability of P.E. teachers. Meanwhile, it will moderately improve the teaching methods and forms carried out by P.E. teachers, paying more attention to the cultivation of students' masculinity, while continuing to recruit more P.E. teachers through various channels.
【#教育部答复防止男性青少年女性化#提案：加强体育教师配备，注重“阳刚之气”培 养】针对有全国政协委员提出《关于防止男性青少年女性化的提案》，教育部官网发 布答复函，表示将加大力度提高体育教师素质能力，同时，适度改进体育教师教学方 法、形式，更多注重学生“阳刚之气”培养，继续通过多种渠道新增体育教师。
Recommended Comments
Netizen A:"The original text written by the Ministry of Education does not mention anything about feminization and masculinization, but says that physical exercise needs to be strengthened."
Netizen B:"Look at those 'little fresh meat' male stars. The way they dress is more coquettish than women, misleading the children's aesthetic values. The cultivation of children's masculinity should begin with correcting the social atmosphere."
Netizen C:"I didn't see any word about 'prevention of feminization' in the whole text. They just ask everyone to do more exercises and keep healthy."
Netizen D:" It's really a problem. Now boys dare not speak loudly. It has something to do with family education. We should create conditions for boys to take on their responsibility."
Netizen E:"It is very necessary. Especially starting from junior high school. I sigh when I see those who look neither a woman nor a man."
精选评论
网友A：“教育部原文从未提及什么女性化男性化，只是说要加强体育锻炼。”
网友B：“看看那些小鲜肉男明星，一个个装扮的比女人还妖艳，误导了孩子们审美价 值观。培养孩子的阳刚之气要从社会风气开始。”
网友C：“全程并没有看到‘防止女性化’几个字，只是要求大家好好锻炼身体，保持身 心健康。”
网友D：“确实是个问题，现在的男孩说话都不敢大声，与家庭教育有关，应创造条件 让他们去担当。”
网友E：“非常有必要，特别是从初中抓起，看到那些不男不女的人甚是感慨。”
Netizens' Comments
Netizen A:"It's OK to strengthen masculinity, but please respect children who are not so masculine. Just like how the Ministry of Education should pay attention to school violence.
Every child is an independent individual worthy of respect."
Netizen B:"What kind of bizarre news this is. Who says boys must be masculine?"
Netizen C:"It is understandable if you just say you want to strengthen physical exercise. But why talk about feminization and masculinity?"
Netizen D:"Even if boys have no masculinity, they can still be the pillar of the country. They can be the positive energy of the society. Even if they are not the pillar or the positive energy, they can still be young people who love culture and arts and beautify the city."
Netizen E:"What is the definition of masculinity? Have they finished their homework? Do they still have time to gain more masculinity?"
网友评论
网友A：“加强阳刚气可以，但是请尊重没有那么有阳刚气的小朋友，刚好教育部清查 校园暴力，每个小朋友都是独立的值得被尊重的个体。”
网友B：“这是什么魔幻新闻，谁规定了男孩子就要有阳刚之气。”
网友C：“你就说加强体育教育这谁都能理解，为什么要讲女性化和阳刚之气？”
网友D：“就算没有阳刚之气也一样可以是国家栋梁一样可以是社会正能量，就算不是
栋梁不是正能量，做个文艺男青年也依然可以美化城市面貌。”
网友E：“阳刚的定义是什么？作业做完了吗？有空去阳刚吗？”
Appendix 2
Questions & Coding of Control Variables Control variable Question & Coding
Male What is your gender?
您的性别是？
Male - 1 男 Female - 0 女
Age What is your age?
您的年龄是？
Numeric
CCP member What is your political affiliation?
您的政治面貌是？
Party member - 1 党员
Non-party member - 0 非党员
Education level What is your current education level?
您目前的学历或教育程度是？
Below primary school - 1 小学以下 Primary school - 2 小学
Middle school - 3 初中 High school - 4 高中 Junior College - 5 大专 Undergraduate - 6 本科 Graduate - 7 硕士 Doctorial - 8 博士
Income level What is your current annual income level? (Including salary and other income)
您目前的个人年收入水平是？（包括工资以及其他收入）
Below 20,000 - 1 2万元以下 20,000 - 50,000 - 2 2-5万 50,000 - 100,000 - 3 5-10万 100,000 - 150,000 - 4 10-15万 150,000 - 200,000 - 5 15-20万 200,000 - 300,000 - 6 20-30万 300,000 - 500,000 - 7 30-50万 500,000 - 1,000,000 - 8 50-100万 Above 1,000,000 - 9 100万以上 Province The place you live in belongs to?
您所在的地区属于？
Options include: 31 provinces (and municipalities) in Mainland China excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan
选项包括：31 个中国大陆的省份和直辖市（除去香港、澳门和 台湾）
Political interest To what extent are you interested in current affairs?
多大程度上你对时事感兴趣？
Very interested - 5 非常感兴趣 Somewhat interested - 4 比较感兴趣
Cannot tell whether interested or not - 3 说不上感不感兴趣 Somewhat not interested - 2 比较不感兴趣
Not interested at all - 1 完全不感兴趣 Frequency of
social media news consumption
Do you often view news about social and political affairs through Weibo or other online forums?
你经常通过微博或其他网络论坛了解有关社会与时事的新闻或资 讯吗？
Often - 4 经常
Sometimes - 3 有时候 Seldom - 2 基本不会 Never - 1 从来不会 Frequency of
social media use
How often do you use Weibo or other Internet platforms to view all kinds of information?
你多久使用一次微博或其他网络平台浏览各类资讯？
Everyday - 5 每天都使用
Several times per week - 4 每周使用几次 Several times per month - 3 每个月使用几次 Several times per year - 2 每年使用几次 Never - 1 从来不使用
Most recent social media use
When was the last time you used Weibo or other Internet platforms to view information?
你上一次使用微博或其他网络平台浏览资讯是什么时候？
Within an hour - 8一个小时内曾使用过 Sometime today - 7 今天曾使用过
Sometime yesterday - 6 昨天曾使用过 Sometime this week - 5 本周内曾使用过 Sometime this month - 4 本月内曾使用过 Sometime this year - 3 今年内曾使用过 Sometime last year -2 去年曾使用过
Sometime before last year or Never - 1 去年之前曾使用过或从未使 用过
Frequency of social media discussion
Do you often participate in discussions about social hot-spot issues on Weibo or other Internet platforms?
你经常在微博上或其他网络平台中参与热点事件的讨论吗？
Often participate - 4 经常参与
Sometimes participate - 3 有时候参与 Seldom participate - 2 基本不参与 Never participate - 1 从来不参与 Political Attitudes Questions in Study 2
Internal Political
Efficacy To what extent do you agree with the statement? "For me, politics is complicated and hard to understand."
你多大程度上同意这句话？“时政对我来说是复杂且难以理解 的。”
Agree strongly - 4 十分同意 Somewhat agree - 3 比较同意 Somewhat disagree - 2 比较不同意 Disagree strongly - 1 十分不同意 External Political
Efficacy Discussion
To what extent do you agree with the statement? "Even a people like me can exert influence over the policy-making process"
你多大程度上同意这句话？“即便是像我这样的人也可以对政策 的制定产生影响。
Agree strongly - 4 十分同意 Somewhat agree - 3 比较同意 Somewhat disagree - 2 比较不同意 Disagree strongly - 1 十分不同意 Resistance
against the West To what extent do you agree with the statement? "Western developed countries’ systems are not suitable for China’s national conditions"
你多大程度上同意这句话？“西方发达国家的体制不适合中国国 情。”
Agree strongly - 4 十分同意 Somewhat agree - 3 比较同意 Somewhat disagree - 2 比较不同意 Disagree strongly - 1 十分不同意
Collectivism To what extent do you agree with the statement? "Collective interests are prior to individual interests"
你多大程度上同意这句话？“集体利益高于个人利益。”
Agree strongly - 4 十分同意 Somewhat agree - 3 比较同意 Somewhat disagree - 2 比较不同意 Disagree strongly - 1 十分不同意
National pride To what extent do you agree with the statement? "I am proud to be a Chinese"
你多大程度上同意这句话？“作为中国人我很骄傲。”
Agree strongly - 4 十分同意 Somewhat agree - 3 比较同意 Somewhat disagree - 2 比较不同意 Disagree strongly - 1 十分不同意 Information
transparency
To what extent do you agree with the statement? "When there is a major security incident, information dissemination should still be allowed even if such a dissemination increases the risks of public panic."
你多大程度上同意这句话？“在发生重大社会安全事件时，即使 认为信息公开可能导致公众恐慌，仍应该及时开放信息传播。”
Agree strongly - 4 十分同意 Somewhat agree - 3 比较同意 Somewhat disagree - 2 比较不同意 Disagree strongly - 1 十分不同意
Life satisfaction Are you satisfied with your current life?
您对您目前的生活还满意吗？
Very satisfied - 4 十分满意 Somewhat satisfied - 3 比较满意 Somewhat dissatisfied - 2 比较不满意 Very dissatisfied - 1 十分不满意 Society
satisfaction
Are you satisfied with the current society?
您对目前的社会现状还满意吗？
Very satisfied - 4 十分满意 Somewhat satisfied - 3 比较满意 Somewhat dissatisfied - 2 比较不满意 Very dissatisfied - 1 十分不满意
Appendix 3
Profiles of Online Survey Respondents
Study 2 Study 1 Study 1 and 2 Obs./Mean Std.Dev. Min. Max. Obs./Mean Std.Dev
. Min. Max. Obs./Mean Std.Dev
. Min. Max.
Number of respondents 652 523 1175
Gender
Male (obs.) 287 273 560
Female (obs.) 365 250 615
Age (mean) 36.903 10.660 18 78 36.627 8.969 18 56 36.780 9.939 18 78
Party affiliation
CCP member (obs.) 165 64 229
Non-CCP member (obs.) 487 459 946
Education level (mean) 5.544 1.019 1 8 5.031 1.098 2 8 5.316 1.085 1 8
Income (mean) 3.460 1.784 1 9 3.235 1.392 1 8 3.360 1.625 1 9
Political interest (mean) 4.133 0.795 1 5 3.945 0.750 1 5 4.049 0.780 1 5
Frequency of social media news
consumption (mean) 3.538 0.683 1 4 3.394 0.592 1 4 3.474 0.648 1 4
Frequency of social media use
(mean) 4.469 0.913 1 5 4.312 0.862 1 5 4.399 0.894 1 5
Most recent social media use (mean)
6.584 1.632 1 8 6.480 1.452 1 8 6.538 1.555 1 8
Frequency of social media
discussion (mean) 2.873 0.854 1 4 2.920 0.676 1 4 2.894 0.780 1 4
Notes: CCP member refers to the Chinese Communist Party member; Education is measured on a scale of eight from 1 "Below primary school" to 8 "Doctoral"; Income is measured on a scale of nine from 1 "Below 20,000" to 9 "Above 1,000,000"; Political interest is measured on a 5-point scale from 1 "Not interested at all" to 5 "Very interested"; Frequency of social media news consumption is measured on a 4-point scale ranging from 1 "Never" to 4 "Often"; Frequency of social media use is measured on a scale of five ranging from 1 "Never" to 5 "Everyday"; Most recent social media use is measured on an 8-point scale ranging from 1 "Sometime before last year or Never" to 8 "Within an hour"; Frequency of social media discussion is measured on a scale of four from 1 "Never participate" to 4 "Often participate". For exact wordings of the questions, see Appendix 2.
Appendix 4
Multinomial Regression Results of Respondents' Choice of Comments Over Time Dep. Var. Choice of Skip Comments over Netizens' Comments
Study 2 Study 2 Study 1 Study 1 and Study 2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Nt 0.110** 0.111** -0.040 0.086**
(0.029) (0.029) (0.056) (0.025)
Recommended comments as initial choice
-3.267**
(0.304)
-3.264**
(0.305)
-2.813**
(0.312)
-3.032**
(0.208) Netizens' comments
as initial choice
-4.022**
(0.326)
-4.103**
(0.337)
-3.062**
(0.331)
-3.558**
(0.226)
Male 0.330 0.251 -0.234 0.142
(0.213) (0.212) (0.246) (0.159)
Age 0.011 0.010 0.044** 0.023**
(0.011) (0.010) (0.015) (0.008)
CCP member -0.217 -0.205 -0.215 -0.181
(0.303) (0.319) (0.377) (0.235)
Education level 0.361** 0.374** -0.044 0.221**
(0.115) (0.117) (0.126) (0.081)
Income level -0.067 -0.053 -0.177 -0.087
(0.068) (0.071) (0.092) (0.056)
Political interest 0.028 0.115 -0.394* -0.089
(0.184) (0.189) (0.179) (0.123)
Frequency of social media news consumption -0.421 -0.463* -0.453 -0.374*
(0.234) (0.233) (0.287) (0.173)
Frequency of social media use 0.175 0.230 0.555** 0.360*
(0.198) (0.213) (0.212) (0.143)
Most recent social media use -0.138 -0.150 -0.210 -0.171*
(0.117) (0.133) (0.117) (0.086)
Frequency of social media discussion -0.316 -0.260 -0.395 -0.287*
(0.163) (0.166) (0.216) (0.123)
Internal political efficacy 0.250
(0.149)
External political efficacy 0.041
(0.128)
Resistance against the West 0.070
(0.159)
Collectivism -0.212
(0.174)
National pride -0.271
(0.225)
Information transparency -0.031
(0.151)
Life satisfaction -0.268
(0.190)
Society satisfaction 0.077
(0.219)
Number of obs. 3912 3912 2615 6527
Log pseudolikelihood -3029.198 -3003.382 -1865.099 -5045.113
Pseudo R2 0.246 0.253 0.259 0.230
Notes: The dependent variable is respondents' comment choice of skip comments at time t = 1,2,...,5 or 6. The baseline group is netizens’ comments. Independent variables include policy number
Nt and respondents' initial comment choice of recommended comments and netizens' comments at time 1 (t = 1). Provincial fixed-effects and Cutoff points are not reported, but are available upon request. Standard errors clustered at the individual level are in parentheses. **p<0.01, *p<0.05.
