Analysis of online civic engagement and political activism in China through WeChat group posts during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022

This digital ethnographic research aims to examine civic and political activism in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, it observed interactions within a building group, a purchase group in Shanghai, and a class group comprising members in China and overseas in 2022. The results showed that members of the building group often engaged in online and offline activism to ensure access to adequate life necessities and safe COVID-19 testing procedures, as well as protesting stringent and arbitrary COVID-19 measures imposed by lower levels of the administrative units. On the other hand, several dominant, non-Chinese mainland-residing members of the class group levied anti-Chinese government rhetoric and strong opposition to zero-COVID. Despite the class members knowing each other well, many engaged in diffuse discussions that appeared to be venting their frustrations. No one from this group participated in actual political activism or protests during the pandemic. The results demonstrate how shared goals and protests within the boundaries set by the Chinese government can contribute to the success of civic and political activism, potentially improving the livelihoods of citizens in China.