Rethinking mediated political engagement: social media ambivalence and disconnective practices of politically active youths in Hong Kong

Looking for politically like‐minded partners: Self‐presentation and partner‐vetting strategies on dating apps

“…Second, this study provides evidence that self‐censorship has begun to emerge in citizens' private use of social media in Hong Kong. In their exploration of the use of social media by politically active youth, Chu and Yeo (2020) discussed social media ambivalence among young social media users who recognized the opportunities and challenges of social media platforms and engaged in disconnective practices. My respondents recognized the usefulness of using dating apps when looking for politically like‐minded partners; however, they also recognized the risks of publicly displaying their political views.…”

“…The yellow–blue divide has extended beyond politics. Chu and Yeo (2020) found that, after the Umbrella Movement, politically active youth engaged in a series of disconnective practices on social media, including avoiding political talk with contacts whom they believed were blue and “unfriending” these contacts on social media. A so‐called yellow economy was also formed in late 2019 among commercial entities that openly supported the movement.…”

Collective Protest and Expressive Action Among University Students in Hong Kong: Associations Between Offline and Online Forms of Political Participation

“…There are also downsides of the use of digital media for political expression. Although social media can accelerate a social movement, their massive use sets a high benchmark that can lead to less satisfying experiences in the future (Chu and Yeo, 2020). Once people have formed their opinion and "picked a side," they more likely will selectively expose themselves to channels and information that align with their own views.…”

“…248). Thus, expressing one's own view on the Internet may become less effective as the potential of having debates to convince those holding different views diminishes, making collective action all the more relevant (Chu and Yeo, 2020). Moreover, echo chambers can also lead to political polarization and radicalization (Law et al, 2018).…”

“…Youth in Hong Kong are also more willing to protest and to express their political opinions on social media than other age groups (Center for Youth Studies, 2017). Previous experiences in the Occupy Central movement are but one example (Chu and Yeo, 2020;Jackson et al, 2017). The rise of political activism is also signified by young adults' awareness of political values and rights, an increasing willingness to challenge the political authority and mainstream social and political values, and the use of radical tactics (Lam, 2018).…”