Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of generative AI technology is significantly changing the landscape of online public opinion, necessitating proactive engagement from government officials to manage and guide public sentiment effectively [1][3]. Group 1: Social Governance Challenges - Current social governance practices are heavily focused on managing online public opinion, large-scale group events, and major safety incidents, which are critical for local government stability and economic development [3]. - The rise of generative AI and deepfake technology has lowered the barriers for creating false information, leading to public misinformation, heightened negative emotions, and social anxiety, which can disrupt public order [3]. - Non-benevolent use of AI tools by some internet platforms has created information echo chambers, reinforcing specific viewpoints and exacerbating cognitive biases, leading to social division [3]. Group 2: Recommendations for Government Action - Government departments should recognize the changes in public sentiment brought about by AI technology and learn to utilize AI tools for managing public opinion effectively [3]. - It is essential for government entities to proactively communicate and take the initiative in public discourse, especially during significant public sentiment events where the truth is unclear [4]. - Recommendations for government communication include being transparent, gradually disclosing information as events unfold, and maintaining a cautious approach to avoid damaging public trust [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that online public opinion is a complex phenomenon that reflects public attitudes and emotions towards social issues, and it should not be simplistically categorized as crisis management or a branch of communication studies [2][3]. Group 1: Nature and Characteristics of Online Public Opinion - Online public opinion is a manifestation of social discourse that is influenced by various factors, including political, social, economic, psychological, and legal aspects [3][4]. - The complexity of online public opinion requires a multidisciplinary approach for comprehensive understanding, integrating insights from political science, sociology, economics, psychology, communication studies, and law [3][4][18]. Group 2: Formation Mechanisms - The formation of online public opinion is rooted in social structures and psychological mechanisms, with feelings of social inequality and relative deprivation being significant underlying causes [5][7]. - Internet technology accelerates the formation and dissemination of public opinion, providing platforms for expression and reducing psychological barriers to sharing opinions [6][19]. Group 3: Stages of Development - Online public opinion typically progresses through three stages: occurrence, diffusion, and decline, each characterized by specific psychological mechanisms and public engagement [9][10]. - During the occurrence stage, an event triggers initial public interest; in the diffusion stage, information spreads rapidly, leading to diverse opinions; and in the decline stage, public attention shifts away from the issue [9][10]. Group 4: Governance Strategies - Effective management of online public opinion requires collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including government, enterprises, and various institutions [11][12]. - Governments play a crucial role in regulating and guiding public opinion, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks and timely communication to prevent misinformation [12][13]. - Enterprises must monitor public sentiment and respond to crises effectively to protect brand reputation, while also ensuring responsible content management on their platforms [14][15]. Group 5: Future Directions - The evolution of information technology presents both challenges and opportunities for online public opinion management, necessitating a focus on ethical considerations and cross-border collaboration [19]. - Future research should continue to explore innovative approaches to managing online public opinion, aiming to balance freedom of expression with the need for social order [19].