In China, self-media refers to independently operated social media accounts—on platforms such as WeChat, Weibo, and other smaller ones—usually run by individual users, akin to YouTubers, bloggers, and the like. As of 2017, there were 3.5 million self-media WeChat accounts in existence (Yu, 2020).
Luo Xiang is a professor of criminal law who, in 2020, created an account on the Chinese online video sharing platform Bilibili. Since then, he has amassed over thirty million followers. His videos, typically around ten minutes long, employ absurd and comedic approaches to interpret Chinese criminal law within semi-fictional scenarios, making it more accessible to the general public.
A snippet clipped from Luo's video：https://www.facebook.com/sixthtone/videos/luo-xiangs-online-lectures-attract-millions/207363613829667
People watch his videos not to prepare for the arduous Chinese bar exam but for entertainment (Cong, 2021). Undoubtedly, he is an opinion leader. He has repeatedly made positive appeals in several social incidents in China.
He once analysed a case from twenty years ago: a consumer sued a business for rights protection but ended up being sued by the business for extortion and was jailed. It was an unfair case, and Luo’s analysis of it sparked discussions about the case once again (Qian, 2020). This undoubtedly demonstrates his influence on society.
However, being a highly popular professor, Luo attracts a lot of attention. Every word he says is scrutinised. While other self-media outlets might spread misinformation for increased attention (Yu, 2020), I’m not concerned about Luo falling into this trap. Instead, I worry that he might hold back from producing high-quality work due to the fear of scrutiny over his statements. For instance, in 2020, he stirred controversy with a Weibo post (Cong, 2021). This exemplifies a form of oppression on freedom of speech.
References:
Yu, I. (2020) ‘How ‘self-media’ in China has become a hub for misinformation,’ The China Project. https://thechinaproject.com/2018/03/27/how-self-media-in-china-has-become-a-hub-for-misinformation/.
Cong, Y. (2021) Luo Xiang: Ace attorney. https://chaoyangtrap.house/ace-attorney/
Qian, W. (2020) Professor brings humor to legal studies. https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202003/24/WS5e795649a31012821728169e.html
Media Activism and Politics 