Letters | What the Wang Leehom scandal teaches us about media manipulation
- With the unravelling of the pop star’s carefully curated image, we must ask how our opinions are shaped by an uneven digital media landscape
- Too often, social media is used to spread disinformation and distract us from holding those in power accountable
The internet is still reeling from the revelations by Wang Leehom’s estranged wife Lee Jinglei about his infidelity. Yet as Wang’s image crumbles, it is worth reflecting on how celebrities manipulate the media to influence public opinion in the first place.
When faced with Lee’s accusations, Wang referred to Lee in a statement by her former Japanese name. Lee said this was a deliberate attempt to provoke hatred among netizens and shift the narrative within the tide of online discussions.
This kind of media manipulation is far from rare. With uneven regulation of social media, politicians can easily exploit laws, cyber troopers, bots and more to create biased news, spread propaganda or simply divert the public’s attention away from important issues.
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Wang Leehom divorce drama prompts warning by China’s Communist Party to Chinese celebrities