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].