China's 'Clean Net' campaign targets 'negative emotions'

Why China Is Targeting "Negative Emotions" in Its Latest Online Campaign

Background of the Campaign

China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) recently launched a nationwide initiative under the Qinglang ("Clear and Bright") series of online clean-up actions. 

This round is focused on reducing the spread of what officials describe as "malicious incitement of negative emotions." The campaign will last two months and involves oversight of social media platforms, short-video apps, livestreaming, trending topics, and recommendation algorithms.

The content identified for closer monitoring includes overly pessimistic expressions such as "hard work is useless," exaggerated portrayals of social issues, false reports of disasters, hostile group comparisons, and other material that may encourage division or distress online.

Reasons Behind the Initiative

Several factors appear to be driving this effort:

1. Promoting Social Harmony
   Authorities emphasize the importance of creating a positive and constructive online environment. By discouraging extreme pessimism or hostile commentary, the campaign aims to support social cohesion and a balanced tone in public discussions.

   
   

2. Protecting Public Confidence
   Online platforms can quickly amplify content that shapes how people perceive daily life, work, and study. Officials note that reducing content that highlights despair or hopelessness may help strengthen public confidence and optimism.

   
   

3. Preventing Rumors and Panic
   Some negative or alarming posts may contain misinformation, especially during emergencies or natural disasters. Monitoring such material is seen as a way to avoid unnecessary fear or panic.

   
   

4. Guiding Youth Discourse
   With a large proportion of young people active online, the campaign also seeks to prevent messages that might discourage effort, study, or participation in society.

Perspectives in Support

• Maintaining a Healthy Online Space: Supporters say that limiting harmful or excessively negative posts encourages a more respectful and rational digital environment.

  
  

• Balancing Free Expression and Stability: The campaign is presented as a way to allow free discussion while preventing harmful exaggerations or unnecessary conflicts.

  
  

• Encouraging Constructive Narratives: By reducing extreme pessimism, the initiative aims to promote confidence and a more forward-looking atmosphere in society.

  
  

Broader Context

The Qinglang series is not new; it has included measures in past years against online rumors, celebrity scandals, and unhealthy fan culture. Each campaign reflects the government's stated goal of maintaining an orderly, secure, and positive cyberspace.

Many countries worldwide also regulate digital content to address harmful speech, misinformation, or material that may disrupt social order. China's approach fits within this broader global trend, though the specific focus on "negative emotions" is a distinctive element.

Conclusion

China's current online campaign reflects an effort to guide public discourse in a way that emphasizes optimism, unity, and social stability. While it primarily targets pessimistic or hostile content, the overall goal is to encourage a healthier and more constructive online environment.