Social Networks in China

1. History and Development

1.1. (Pre-2004) Exploration in the Early Stage

1.1.1. Instant Messengers

1.1.2. Initial Chinese Network Community

1.1.3. ChinaRen Alumni – China’s Earliest Social Network Model

1.2. (2004 – 2011) The Blossoming of Social Networks

1.2.1. Blogs

1.2.2. IM+Blogs Bundle

1.2.3. SNS Models: Kaixin and RenRen

1.2.4. Impact of Mobile Internet and Smartphones

1.3. (2011 – Present) Current Status

1.3.1. Competition and Elimination

1.3.2. Three Current Social Network Giants

 

2. WeChat

2.1. The Miraculous Growth

2.2. Substitution for Traditional Mobile Telecom Services

2.3. Design Highlights

2.3.1. Minimalism Design

2.3.2. Digital ID: QR Code

2.3.3. Linking Contacts

2.3.4. WeChat Shake

2.3.5. Moments – Friends Circle

2.3.6. World-Leading IM Functions

2.4. Official Accounts

2.4.1. Features

2.4.2. Three Types

2.4.3. Case Studies

2.4.4. Values and Impact

 

3. QQ

3.1. Two Decades of Success

3.2. Endeavour for Innovation

3.3. Highlights of Features

3.3.1. Overview

3.3.2. QQ Number

3.3.3. Management of Contacts

3.3.4. Mobile File Transfer

3.3.5. Qzone

3.3.6. Membership and Account Varieties

3.4. QQ vs. WeChat

3.4.1. Company Strategy

3.4.2. PC versus Mobile

3.4.3. The Concept of Online

3.4.4. Social Links

3.4.5. QZone vs. Moments

3.4.6. Market and Revenue

 

4. Weibo

4.1. The Chinese Twitter

4.1.1. Continuous Development

4.1.2. Weibo vs. WeChat

4.1.3. Weibo vs. Twitter

4.2. Design Features

4.2.1. Publishing

4.2.2. Messaging

4.2.3. The Big ’V’ – Verified Accounts

4.2.4. Celebrity Effect

4.3. Network and Media Services

4.3.1. SNS Model

4.3.2. News Channel

4.3.3. Live Broadcast

4.4. Social Impact

4.4.1. Democratic Voices

4.4.2. Public Helpline

 

5. Add-on Products

5.1. Mobile Games

5.1.1. Genres and Ranking

5.1.2. Business Strategy

5.2. Financial Services

5.2.1. Payment System

5.2.2. Red Packets

5.3. Lifestyle Services

5.3.1. Fitness

5.3.2. Third-Party Services

 

6. Orders and Regulations

6.1. Governmental Media Censorship

6.1.1. Internet Authorities in China

6.1.2. Content Management

6.1.3. Filing of Internet Companies

6.1.4. Privacy Protection

6.2. Public Efforts

6.2.1. Seven Bottom Lines of Online Behaviours

6.2.2. National Rumour-Refuting Platform

6.2.3. Real Name Policies

 7. Future Development

7.1. Global Competitions

7.2. Social Business

 Appendix A: WeChat Quick User Guide

 

Appendix B: QQ Quick User Guide

 

Appendix C: Weibo Quick User Guide

 

Bibliography

 

Index

Social Networks in China provides an in-depth guide to Chinese social networks, covering behaviors, usage, key issues, and future developments. Chinese scholarship and cultural idiosyncrasies in technology remain a relatively under-researched area. While such issues may be sporadically reported in popular media, it is often difficult to obtain a true understanding of authentic Chinese behaviors and practices. One such study area delves into whether Chinese users utilize technology to socialize in the same ways as people from western societies. As no book currently exists to address issues concerning Chinese social networks, this book takes on that shortage and opportunity.

• Offers an exploration of Chinese social networks and Chinese online social behavior
• Addresses issues concerning Chinese social networks and their development
• Presented by authors with extensive experience working in China

Companies or industries that wish to enter the Chinese market via social platforms; academics - from culture, media or digital development faculties - who wish to obtain knowledge of Chinese sociology and digital media