Public attention, perception, and attitude towards nuclear power in China: A large-scale empirical analysis based on social media

Abstract

This study aims to explore the public's attention, perception and attitude towards nuclear power expressed on social media platforms. Specifically, the status of public perception, information communication and geospatial distribution of public attention to nuclear power are investigated. More than 450,000 posts collected from Sina Weibo from January 2015 to December 2019 are analysed by integrated social network analysis, keyword and text theme analysis and sentiment analysis. Estimation results reveal several important findings. Firstly, nuclear power has received growing attention from the Chinese public on social media platforms since 2015. The dynamic changes in public attention are closely related to the dissemination of news events and online short videos. Secondly, some individual bloggers and media users strongly influence nuclear power-related information communication. In particular, several science bloggers have played a central role in the communication network, contrasting with NGOs and private associations. Thirdly, from a geospatial perspective, public attention on nuclear power in the eastern coastal areas of the Chinese mainland is much higher than in inland and western regions. Fourthly, people's perceptions have focused on the progress of nuclear power technology projects and nuclear accidents. Moreover, their attitude towards Chinese nuclear power projects and technologies is generally positive. The innovation of this study lies in the proposed methodological framework based on social media data. The framework expands the paradigm and dimension of public perception research. This study provides comprehensive analysis and support to nuclear power acceptance improvement and energy policy-making.