The rising cacophony of micro blogs shows the willingness of the ruling party and the government to accept this new media as a barometer of the times.

Without question, the omnipresent influence of micro blogs in politics, the economy and everyday life is not only a mirror to the rapid changes transforming the country, it is also changing China in a profound way.

But accompanying this influence there has been the rise of opinion leaders, who become well-known for being outspoken on hot issues and who are playing an increasingly important role in molding public opinion.

Opinion leaders are usually well-followed by netizens, indeed some of them have millions of fans, and as ordinary Internet users, it is easy for netizens to exchange views with them.

In this way, opinion leaders to some extent become a mouthpiece for some netizens.

However, the problem with these micro-blogging opinion leaders is some are willing to publish and spread false information or rumors to mislead the public; and make use of social discontent and resentment for their own purposes.

In a time of social transformation, such as that in China now, it is natural for all kinds of social conflicts to emerge one after another. That the public is willing to listen to these opinion leaders and consider their criticisms reveals their earnest expectation and desire for good governance.

The authorities should learn to be tolerant of these opinion leaders, even if they are confrontational or even irresponsible. If the authorities fall back on political power to suppress different ideas, some opinion leaders might use this to promote themselves as popular figureheads.

Relevant departments and officials can strengthen communication with existing opinion leaders and attach importance to the realities they reflect, encouraging positive suggestions, and countering any extreme or erroneous views.

There is no need to demonize them or denounce their words. If they go too far and break the law then they can be tried and punished according to the law.

In the micro blog era, it is not enough to rely on traditional media to respond to people's concerns. Governments and officials should take an active part in micro-blogging and actively respond to netizens' concerns with timely information.

Micro blogs have become a new platform for the public to supervise the government, and rather than a knee-jerk response when they hear something they don't like, officials should consider carefully and respond appropriately, so as to improve government work and develop good credibility among netizens.

By virtue of their access to authoritative information, there is no reason why government officials cannot become opinion leaders themselves.

(China Daily 12/16/2011 page8)