Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of online literature, particularly focusing on female-oriented narratives and their impact on readers, especially women, highlighting the psychological needs and societal changes reflected in these works [3][6][10]. Group 1: Influence of Online Literature - Online literature, especially female-oriented works, resonates with women's psychological needs and reflects societal changes [6][10]. - The journey of a researcher, Xue Jing, who transitioned from a reader of online literature to an academic, illustrates the growing acceptance and academic interest in this genre [10][11]. Group 2: Reader Engagement and Themes - Readers often engage with online literature as a means of emotional expression and connection, creating a shared cultural experience among them [9][10]. - The themes in female-oriented online literature have evolved from traditional romantic ideals to more complex narratives involving power dynamics and emotional struggles [13][20]. Group 3: Academic Recognition - The establishment of academic courses on online literature at prestigious institutions marks a significant shift in the perception of this genre, legitimizing its study [10][11]. - Xue Jing's research explores various sub-genres, including "霸总文" (domineering CEO narratives) and "虐恋文" (abusive love stories), analyzing their implications on female identity and societal expectations [11][13]. Group 4: Changing Narratives - The narrative structures in female-oriented online literature have shifted, with a notable rise in "爱女文学" (love for women literature), which challenges traditional gender roles and promotes female empowerment [22][24]. - The portrayal of female characters has become more diverse, reflecting a spectrum of experiences and societal pressures, moving beyond simplistic archetypes [29][33]. Group 5: Societal Reflections - The article suggests that online literature serves as a sociological lens, revealing underlying desires and societal issues faced by women today [25][41]. - The changing dynamics in reader expectations and character portrayals indicate a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and addressing women's multifaceted roles in society [30][36].

Core Viewpoint - The article explores the influence of online literature, particularly female-oriented narratives, on young women and their psychological needs, reflecting broader societal changes [5][10]. Group 1: Influence of Online Literature - Online literature, especially female-oriented works, resonates with women's psychological needs and mirrors societal transformations [5]. - The journey of individuals like Xue Jing, who transitioned from a secret admirer of online literature to a researcher, highlights the evolving perception of this genre within academic circles [2][9]. Group 2: Evolution of Female Characters - Early female protagonists in online literature often sought validation through romantic suffering, while contemporary characters are increasingly portrayed as empowered, focusing on wealth and power [12][18]. - The emergence of "love for women" literature reflects a shift towards narratives that embrace female empowerment and reject misogyny [19][21]. Group 3: Reader Engagement and Expectations - Female readers engage with online literature to explore diverse life possibilities, seeking representations of leadership and success that traditional literature often overlooks [40]. - The tension between romantic aspirations and career ambitions creates a complex landscape for female characters, making it challenging to satisfy all audience segments [27][24]. Group 4: Societal Reflections in Online Literature - The changing dynamics in online literature reflect broader societal pressures and the quest for immediate gratification among younger generations [38][34]. - The portrayal of female characters grappling with societal expectations and personal ambitions illustrates the ongoing struggle for gender equality and representation in literature [25][30].

Group 1 - The article discusses the evolution of online romance literature, particularly focusing on female-centric narratives and their significance in expressing women's desires and experiences [2][11][19] - It highlights the academic efforts to legitimize online literature as a serious field of study, bridging the gap between academia and popular culture [10][11] - The work of Xue Jing, particularly her book "The Powder Empire: Online Romance Novels and Women's Discourse Politics," is emphasized as a critical analysis of the genre's transformation and its underlying themes [2][10][11] Group 2 - The article notes that early online romance novels often mirrored traditional narratives, but contemporary works have shifted to explore complex themes of power dynamics and personal desires [15][17][19] - It points out that the portrayal of male characters has evolved from idealized figures to more flawed representations, reflecting a deeper understanding of women's aspirations and societal roles [17][18][24] - The concept of "love as a tool" is introduced, suggesting that romantic relationships in these narratives often serve as a means for women to explore their own identities and desires [21][25][26] Group 3 - The article discusses the emergence of "love for women" literature, which emphasizes female values and experiences, and the dynamics between readers and authors in this context [48][49] - It addresses the societal implications of female empowerment through literature, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive community among women [56][57] - The narrative also touches on the broader themes of power and identity, suggesting that the exploration of female experiences in literature reflects ongoing societal changes and challenges [40][41][42]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing prevalence of online violence and harassment faced by female web novel authors, primarily due to readers perceiving them as "misogynistic" or "pro-male" [5][13][19]. Group 1: Experiences of Female Authors - Author Zheng Lansheng experienced severe online harassment after a reader expressed outrage over a character in her novel, leading to threats and personal attacks [6][8]. - Author Zhou Qian faced similar harassment, including a false report to her workplace, which caused her significant distress and fear for her safety [9][10]. - Many authors have adopted protective measures, such as not disclosing their real names or social media accounts, to shield themselves from potential backlash [10][11]. Group 2: Reader Expectations and Criticism - There is a growing demand among readers for "pro-female" narratives, which has led to a backlash against works perceived as "misogynistic" [15][19]. - The emergence of "love female" literature reflects a shift in reader expectations, with a focus on strong female characters and a rejection of traditional gender roles [17][19]. - Some readers have become overly sensitive to language and character portrayals, leading to extreme reactions against authors [21][22]. Group 3: Impact of Commercialization - The commercialization of web literature has shifted the focus of authors from self-expression to meeting reader demands, resulting in a decline in narrative quality [35][36]. - The competitive landscape has intensified, with a significant increase in the number of new web novels published, leading to a saturation of the market [36][37]. - Authors are increasingly influenced by reader feedback and data analytics, which can constrain their creative freedom [40][41]. Group 4: Consequences of Online Harassment - The article highlights the severe psychological impact of online harassment on authors, with some experiencing anxiety and fear for their safety [9][10][42]. - The case of author Luo Shiyi, who attempted suicide after facing backlash, underscores the potential dangers of online violence and the need for better support systems for authors [42][43]. - The article calls for a reevaluation of the relationship between authors and readers, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue rather than hostility [49].