Tracing Weibo (2009–2019): The commercial dissolution of public communication and changing politics

Abstract

This paper delineates the historical evolution of Weibo as a social media platform (2009–2019). Rather than focusing on individual case event, we showcase how Weibo is enveloped by and also mutually shapes the push-and-pull forces of the platform’s commodification, political control and the Chinese internet ecology writ large. We argue that under these three forces, Weibo transformed from an online space for public discussions to a platform for marketing and advertising, and entertainment uses.