19.05.2020Chinese Journal of Communication: #PositiveEnergy Douyin

In Chinese political discourse, “positive energy” (zheng nengliang) is a popular expression that has embodied mainstream political ideology in China since 2012. This term has also become prominent on Douyin, a prominent Chinese short-video platform. Using the app walkthrough method and a content analysis of N = more than 800 Videos, this study explores how Douyin promotes the Chinese state’s political agenda by promoting a new form of playful patriotism online.

Chen, X.,  Kay, D.B.V. & Zeng, J. (2020) #PositiveEnergy Douyin: constructing “playful patriotism” in a Chinese short-video application. Chinese Journal of Communication. Advance online publication. DOI: 10.1080/17544750.2020.1761848