The influence of online forum and SNS use on online political discussion in China: Assessing “Spirals of Trust”

•A model to predict online political participation among Chinese young Internet users was proposed.•A survey was conducted among Chinese young Internet users on their online political participation.•A moderate but positive impact of SNS and online forum use on online political participation.•Positive impacts of Internet use proficiency and time spent online on political participation.

Echoing the significance of mobile online networks in fueling the Arab Spring, the present study seeks to better understand social media influences in China by studying political activity among Chinese netizens. A survey of Chinese college students examines the influence of online social networks in the context of political attitudes and political participation. Study results reveal a moderate but positive impact of online forum and social networking site use on online political discussion. Implications for political change in the social networking era, particularly in regimes that practice Internet censorship like China’s, are discussed.