The Internet in China: A Meta-Review of Research

To understand the ultimate status of Internet studies, it is necessary to observe from both a holistic and a particularistic perspective. This article examines one small area of research, the Internet in China, to use that case study as a lens with which to discern the development of Internet studies. By comparing this micro view of the parameters, agendas, and research foci of Chinese Internet research to the larger body of Internet research, it draws insights into the present and future of Internet studies more generally.

Keywords:

• China
• Internet
• Internet studies
• research

Notes

1. China has approximately 94 million Internet users as of January 2005, more than the United Kingdom, more than Germany and France combined, more than all of Latin America, all of the Middle East, and all of Africa combined (China Internet Network Information Center [CNNIC], 2005; NUA, 2004). In the very near future, China is likely to have the largest pool of Internet users.

2. McMillan and Hwang (2002) found that the largest number of articles published on China's Internet were commercially or economically focused.