Zhang Yiwu, professor at Peking University: Creating a clear cyberspace for the "Z generation"

Source: Zhejiang Daily

Zhang Yiwu, a professor at Peking University who attended the World Internet Conference for the fourth time, brought new insights this time. At noon on September 27, after the 2021 World Internet Conference Digital Age Network Content Innovation High-end Forum, Zhang Yiwu accepted an exclusive interview with this reporter.

"Online content and youth" is a topic of concern for Zhang Yiwu. He mentioned a new word: "Generation Z", or "cyber generation", referring to a generation born across the centuries after 1995. "This is a new batch of seeds that have taken root in the fertile soil of the Internet and are closely related to the network environment." Zhang Yiwu said.

Zhang Yiwu painted a portrait of this group, he said: "The young people who grew up with the Internet have become more and more influential in the Voice of the Chinese Internet and even the Global Internet, and their lifestyles, cultural forms, their pursuits and imaginations have become more and more prominent. At the same time, he believes that some young people still have room for improvement in their social cognition, and they are susceptible to negative factors on the Internet and need more guidance.

Nowadays, people can't do without the Internet, just like they can't do without the air. In Zhang Yiwu's view, the content in cyberspace mainly has three major characteristics, one is short and concise, and it is relatively fragmented; the other is that it has the characteristics of vivid performance, which enriches the form of network culture; and the third is that it has extensive influence. "The network environment is uneven, like the air quality is good or bad. Healthy cyberspace is the spiritual home of young people. Zhang Yiwu said.

In recent years, the state has dealt a heavy blow to rectify the network chaos that disrupts the order of online communication, endangers the physical and mental health of young people, and harms the legitimate rights and interests of citizens. Zhang Yiwu said that all sectors of society have carried out necessary rectification of the network ecology, and society, schools, families and other aspects have grasped and managed together, "which is conducive to making the cyberspace clearer and conducive to the voice of young people being heard." ”