Is Online Sentiment a Reflection of Public Opinion? Research on Innovative Mechanisms for Public Policy Formulation in the Digital Age

Abstract

The formulation and implementation of public policies face increasing public scrutiny and protest. This phenomenon stems partly from the widespread adoption of internet technology, which amplifies citizens' opportunities to voice opinions, and partly from heightened civic awareness, driving strong public engagement in policies affecting personal interests. Consequently, traditional public policy mechanisms struggle to meet digital-age demands, making innovation imperative. This paper contends that online sentiment represents a certain measure of public opinion and should be incorporated into the scope of consideration for public policy formulation. However, attention must also be paid to the irrationality and potential distortion inherent in online sentiment expression. In light of this, this paper proposes a "Recognition-Transformation" framework to convert online sentiment into credible public opinion information (D-information). This D-information should then be integrated with leadership/bureaucratic hierarchical information (A-information), expert consultation information (B-information), and commissioned social survey information (C-information) to form a "Four-Source Information Synergy" model, serving as the information base for public policy formulation. Concurrently, by establishing an open, interactive system for public policy formulation and implementation, alongside a "monitoring-consultation-adjustment" policy-making procedure, an innovative mechanism for public policy formulation suited to the digital age is constructed.