Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of "water armies" in the Chinese automotive industry, highlighting their impact on public opinion and marketing strategies over the years, ultimately leading to a decline in genuine consumer engagement and an increase in artificial narratives [5][20]. Group 1: Historical Context - The term "water army" emerged around 2005, referring to individuals hired to manipulate online discussions and influence public opinion for profit [5]. - In the early 2000s, the Chinese automotive market was transitioning, with both joint ventures and domestic brands vying for attention, leading to the rise of automotive forums as battlegrounds for public discourse [7][8]. - Early automotive media and forums were initially volunteer-driven, but as the industry evolved, they became susceptible to manipulation and paid influence, marking the beginning of organized water armies [9][10]. Group 2: The Rise of Social Media - The introduction of Weibo in 2009-2010 transformed the media landscape, allowing for rapid dissemination of information and the emergence of professional water army companies [12][13]. - Water armies began to operate systematically, with organized teams managing multiple accounts to create a facade of public sentiment, leading to a significant increase in budget allocations for public relations and online reputation management [13][14]. Group 3: Shift in Strategies - As the market evolved, especially with the rise of new energy vehicles, the focus of water armies shifted from merely managing public opinion to actively attacking competitors and manipulating market perceptions [15][16]. - The introduction of advanced technologies and tactics, such as automated response systems and visual manipulation, marked a transition from simple opinion shaping to more aggressive and deceptive practices [16]. Group 4: Current Trends and Future Implications - In the current landscape, automotive companies increasingly rely on water armies to create artificial narratives and manage public perception, often at the expense of genuine consumer engagement [18][19]. - The rise of AI-driven water armies represents a new frontier in marketing, where virtual personas are created to engage with consumers, further distancing companies from authentic interactions [18][19]. - The article concludes that the reliance on water armies reflects a broader decline in the marketing capabilities of automotive companies, as they prioritize artificial narratives over real consumer insights [20][21].

Core Viewpoint - The evolution of "water armies" in the Chinese automotive industry reflects a shift from grassroots, informal practices to a highly organized and capitalized industry that manipulates public opinion and market perceptions through various means [1][9][14]. Group 1: Historical Context - The early 2000s saw the emergence of automotive vertical media and the initial formation of water armies, which were primarily informal and volunteer-based [2][5]. - During this period, automotive companies engaged in basic online reputation management, often resorting to creating multiple accounts to influence discussions on forums [3][4]. - The lack of structured water army operations led to a rudimentary form of public relations, where companies would incentivize positive posts through promotions [3][4]. Group 2: Transformation with Social Media - The introduction of Weibo in 2009-2010 revolutionized the media landscape, allowing for rapid dissemination of information and the rise of organized water armies [6][8]. - Water army operations became more sophisticated, with companies employing professional services to manage online narratives, including crisis management and targeted campaigns against competitors [7][9]. - The demand for online reputation management surged, with significant budget increases for social media engagement, reflecting a shift from traditional media to digital platforms [8][9]. Group 3: New Dynamics with New Energy Vehicles - The rise of new energy vehicles introduced new challenges and opportunities for water armies, as the market became more competitive and standards less clear [10][12]. - Water armies transitioned from defensive strategies to offensive tactics, targeting competitors and manipulating public perception to influence market dynamics [11][12]. - The introduction of advanced technologies, such as automated content generation, allowed water armies to enhance their effectiveness in shaping narratives [12][15]. Group 4: Current Trends and Future Implications - The current landscape sees a demand for water armies to create a façade of community engagement and user satisfaction, often blurring the lines between reality and fabricated narratives [14][15]. - The use of AI in water army operations has increased efficiency and scale, allowing for the creation of highly personalized and engaging content that can mislead consumers [15][16]. - The overall decline in marketing quality and authenticity within the automotive industry is attributed to the reliance on water armies, leading to a disconnect from genuine consumer engagement [16][17].