What Causes Different Sentiment Classification on Social Network Services? Evidence from Weibo with Genetically Modified Food in China

Youzhu Li, Xianghui Gao, Mingying Du, Rui He, Shanshan Yang and Jason Xiong
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Youzhu Li: College of Public Administration, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Xianghui Gao: College of Public Administration, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Mingying Du: College of Public Administration, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Rui He: College of Public Administration, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Shanshan Yang: College of Media and Art Design, Wuhan Donghu University, Wuhan 430212, China
Jason Xiong: Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 4, 1-15

Abstract: (1) Background Genetic Modification (GM) refers to the transfer of genes with known functional traits into the target organism, and ultimately the acquisition of individuals with specific genetic traits. GM technology in China has developed rapidly. However, the process is controversial; thus, future development may be hindered. China has become the world’s largest importer of GM products. Research on the attitudes towards GM food in China will help the government achieve sustainable development by better understanding and applications of the technology. (2) Methods This research utilizes data from Sina Weibo (microblog), one of the biggest social network services (SNS) in China. By using the self-created Python crawler program, comments related to the genetically modified food in the People’s Daily account are analyzed. Sentiment classifications are analyzed via multivariate logistic regression. (3) Results Based on the factor analysis, theme type characteristics, the propagation characteristics, the body information characteristics, and the comment characteristics have different degrees of influence on the user’s emotional distribution. (4) Conclusion Practical implications and conclusions are provided based on the results at the end.

Keywords: information systems; genetic modification; sentiment classification; logistic regression; China; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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