Businesses and individuals around the world are now recognizing the value of networking over the Internet and social media, it has been suggested.
Reporting for BBC Radio 4, Duncan Hewitt explained that social media usage is on the rise in some countries where freedom of expression has traditionally been restricted.
He explained that in China, more than 300 million people have now signed up for Sina Weibo.
Mr. Hewitt describes the website as being “China’s version of Twitter.”
He said the service is allowing for a greater exchange of ideas and opinions among Chinese citizens, businesses and organizations on the Internet.
“The service is helping groups to form and civil society to flourish,” Mr. Hewitt noted.
“It is also heralding a new wave of self-expression in a society where it–at least in public–has traditionally been dangerous and unusual.”