Overview

The new Internet bar phenomenon in China reveals a contradictory time and a vital tug of war between the state and civil society. Small, private net bar operators are caught in the double roles of regulator and the regulated, struggling to survive; many Internet café visitors largely enjoy emailing and online entertainment, showing little interest in political or policy issues. And both bar operators and visitors skillfully play a cat-mouse game with the state. Internet Policy in China: A Field Study of Internet Cafés reports the results of a multi-layered study of this phenomenon. Helen Sun investigates how the Internet has been used by the state and individuals, as well as the implications of Chinese Internet policies and regulations. She conceptualizes media technology as a ""dependent variable"" that can be affected by other factors such as its availability, the user's uses and expectations, media policy, the market, and the nations-state. Internet Policy in China focuses on the Chinese telecommunications policy-making system, regulatory activities, and the governmental means of control over Internet access and use at both the macro and micro levels. Sun also discusses users' perceptions and uses of the Internet in net cafés, the dual role café owners play in the frantic digital arena, the mismatch between Internet regulations and net café owners and goers, their interaction with governmental policy and regulation, and the social implications of their interactions during China's transitional time.

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Reviews

Internet cafes in China have become a far more significant phenomenon than the computer corners in US public libraries because of certain social, political, economic, and technology reasons. Sun 's insightful book provides a long-needed comprehensive reading for any one who wants to learn Internet evolution and revolution in China.--Zixiang Tan

Helen Sun details the meticulous methods used by the Chinese Communist Party to monitor China's Internet communication, particularly at Internet bars. At the same time, she also vividly describes the political energy and democratic discourse unleashed by the Internet, primarily among the younger generation. Internet Policy in China provides a vivid picture of momentous political and social changes under way in China today.--Merle Goldman

Internet cafes in China have become a far more significant phenomenon than the computer corners in US public libraries because of certain social, political, economic, and technology reasons. Sun s insightful book provides a long-needed comprehensive reading for any one who wants to learn Internet evolution and revolution in China.--Zixiang Tan

Author Information

Helen Sun is associate professor of communication at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

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