Voluntary Sacrifice of Freedom: Why Are Some Chinese Nationals Supporting Government Censorship?

While the effects of government censorship are widely explored in the literature, most works on government censorship have assumed a nature intention for citizens to seek freedom of speech in authoritarian regimes. However, citizens in authoritarian regimes may actually support government censorship due to various reasons. In this study, I explore the potential reasons of citizen's support towards government censorship in China among Chinese nationals both domestic and abroad. I proposes that willingness to support censorship is influenced by one's experience with political institutions and the political environment. The government could try to provide reasonings on censorship that aligns its interest in repressive behavior and citizens' personal interests to gain support on censorship.