Contending over Uncertainty: The Social Construction and Diffusion of Gmo Risk Discourse on Chinese Social Media

Focusing on a decade of controversy surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in China, this book provides a rigorous, mixed-method analysis of how risk discourses are constructed and disseminated on the social media platform Weibo.

This book uncovers the rich diversity of competing risk frames and reveals how digital platforms can democratize the negotiation of scientific uncertainty, yet also fragment public deliberation and discussion, leading to the reinforcement of new power dynamics and discursive inequalities. Breaking down the mechanisms behind the viral spread of GMO risk information, it examines how message features, contextual factors (e.g., source credibility), network structures, and social contagion processes shape what we believe and share. Ultimately, it will advance a deeper understanding of digital risk communication in increasingly platform-mediated societies.

It is an essential resource for science policymakers, risk communication professionals, and other stakeholders seeking to navigate the complexities of risk and uncertainty in the digital age.

Xiaoxiao Cheng is an Assistant Professor and Associate Research Fellow at the College of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University. He holds a PhD from Tsinghua University. His research interests include science/environmental/risk communication, computational social science, and media effect studies.