A Comparative Analysis of Emotional Responses to Government's Anti-Panic Buying Advocacy on Weibo: V Users vs. Non-V Users

Abstract

This research paper delves into the contrasting responses of verified (V) users, also known as influencers, and non-verified (non-V) users on the Chinese social media platform Weibo about media reports addressing the government's call against panic-buying medication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a robust dataset of over 1,500 comments from various media outlets, the study employs content analysis and quantitative methods to uncover the distinct attitudes, emotions, and reasoning behind the viewpoints of these two user groups. The research indicates that V users offer calm, rational, and objective responses, focusing on guiding public discourse and fostering trust in the government's recommendations. In contrast, non-V users exhibit a broader range of emotional expressions, including panic, anger, and ridicule, which can exacerbate anxiety and potentially drive panic buying. The study also acknowledges challenges in cross-cultural emotion analysis and suggests prioritizing natural translation over rigid literal translations. The findings provide insights into the roles of emotions, rationality, and cultural nuances in shaping online discussions and public behavior, paving the way for further exploration of user responses in different contexts and topics.