Microblogging use and changes in governance: Netizens' deliberation on controversial traffic accidents in China

Employing data from major microblogging platforms, traditional News Streams and Government Information resources, the research analyzed how Chinese Netizens discussed four controversial traffic accidents that had happened in China from 2006-2012 on major social media platforms. Specific attention was paid to influences of such discussions on interactions between the public and the state. Findings show that microbloging platforms are becoming new information channels for Chinese netizens to access information unavailable from traditional media controlled by the government. In addition, the platforms provided a new public sphere for the general public to actively discuss, collectively reflect and systematic deliberate on public affairs and potential changes in governance in China. Roles played by microblogging use in governance transformation in China are discussed before conclusions are drawn.