How do Chinese internet users react to foreign news? This study examines 1,200 citizens who self-select positive content about other countries or negative coverage of China.

⭐ Survey Experiment Details ⭐

Researchers surveyed 1,200 Chinese participants with varied backgrounds. Those with pro-Western views and lower regime evaluations were more likely to read favorable foreign news.

🔍 Key Question: Does selective exposure backfire?

The findings challenge expectations by showing that positive foreign media can improve rather than worsen domestic opinions among citizens who choose it themselves.

💡 Why This Matters

Reputable Western outlets provide more realistic coverage. Their reports correct overly critical perceptions about China, making regime critics less harsh and potentially enhancing stability in authoritarian contexts.

📚 Methodological Contribution

The paper introduces a new patient preference trial design that combines self-selection with random treatment assignment to study media effects.