Self-censorship of political expression among social networking sites in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research aims to investigate self-censorship of political expression on SNSs. Although social networking sites (SNSs) have become an important venue for political participation in Hong Kong, it is worthwhile to know whether Hong Kong Facebook users censor themselves, and not to express their ideas towards political issues on Facebook. Based on 6 in-depth interviews, this research found that some Facebook users self-censored their political expression. They intended to ‘Like’, ‘Share’ or ‘Comment’ on a social or political issue. But they ultimately decide not to express their opinions on Facebook. Two conditions of political opinion expression on Facebook, the perceived audience and the content of the post, are found to possibly affect respondents’ decision of expressing their political opinion on Facebook. For the reasons for self-censorship, the perceived risks are found affecting respondent’s decision of expressing their political opinions on Facebook. The perceived risks include affecting social relationship, the fear of criticism, the fear of social isolation, presenting a negative image, and the failure when applying for jobs. Individual’s perceived risk of political expression on Facebook may associate with the behavior of self-censorship. Moreover, it is found that self-censorship can act as a strategy of image management of one’s political views.