Reading through the decision on major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reform approved at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, we will easily find that interpretations of some problems underscored in this document are partly coincident with those online. This mirrors the interaction between policy-making and public opinion.
The Internet has played an irreplaceable role in promoting expression of public opinion while it's also controversial in carrying a large number of radical voices and rumors. But online opinions have influenced the formation of this major document and positive effects of the Internet have been evoked.
Internet has inflicted the biggest variable to China's social governance, bringing as much vitalities as troubles. It means a fresh administrative environment, which contains a wide diversity of opinion. There are many issues raised online, with some being focus of the entire society, some on behalf of the interests of certain groups, some farsighted and strategic while some immediate and urgent.
The Internet should actively participate in social governance and politics, which can enable State policies and principles to be more closely connected to the public. On the other hand, governing and administering the country shouldn't be overwhelmed by online opinion. China should explore how to strike a balance.
Some scholars hold that online expression constitutes a way of alleviating social pressure. They believe Netizens aim at venting anger rather than seeking solutions to problems. Such a view makes some sense. Chinese society should adapt to this and dwell on how to shape the Internet into a harmless mechanism for expressing public opinion. The detailed document stresses the State ownership of the economy and brings forward a step-by-step delayed retirement plan and legislation of house property tax. In general, it responds to online concerns but doesn't simply adopt them.
Local governments and officials often pay too much attention to, even feel awe about, online opinion, or they go to the other extreme of snubbing online opinion. A few officials expect the crackdown on online rumors could create room for totally controlling the Internet. This is a huge misunderstanding. With the advancing of Internet technology and faster flowing of information, it's impossible to return to the governing condition of the "pre-Internet era."
The Internet should be supportive of social governance. If its destructive nature comes to the fore, not only will the government strengthen its regulation, but the whole of society will also boycott it. More Netizens have moved from Weibo to other social networking platforms due to rampant rumors and personal abuse.
Social networks are valuable channels for public opinion expression. They have contributed to China's progress. Online concerns cannot be evaded. Cyber opinion leaders should take more responsibilities to manage these channels.