Navigating the Emotional Undercurrents: Internet Celebrities and Bodies/Emotions in China's Society 4.0

In the digital epoch, Chinese internet celebrities emerge as luminaries of the market economy and the internet, mirroring the zeitgeist of internet culture and the metamorphosis of mass media. Their unique bodies and images encapsulate cultural significance, reflecting the societal practices and interactions emblematic of the 4.0 Revolution, where social media wield an influential role. This paper scrutinizes the intricate interplay and divergence between the individual, subjective, and social bodies of Chinese internet celebrities, and the nexus between their body-image and physical expression. By examining Chinese social media platforms—WeChat, Sina Weibo, and Douyin—we endeavor to uncover the connections between the sociability, experiences, and social sensibilities of these celebrities and their sway over Society 4.0.

The paper addresses four key aspects: (a) it examines Chinese social media as a virtual stage for internet celebrities; (b) it investigates the imagery and conduct of these celebrities; (c) it underscores the relationship between the body, sensation, and perception concerning social celebrities; (d) it elucidates the sociability and social sensibilities that celebrities exhibit within the fabric of China's Society 4.0. Through participatory observation, focus groups, and in-depth interviews with key figures, this study explores the transformative power of digital influence and the emotional currents that define the digital consumption landscape in China.

The emotional labor of Chinese internet celebrities is pivotal, as it not only shapes consumer culture but also navigates the emotional economy of social media, influencing social relations and identity formation. This paper emphasizes the necessity of developing a comprehensive understanding of the emotional narratives constructed by influencers and their significant influence on the emotional landscape of Society 4.0 in China.