Research on the Evolutionary Analysis of Online Public Opinion Reversal Events Based on Social Combustion Theory

[Purpose] By constructing an improved model of online public opinion reversal events, we explore the evolutionary pattern with reversal attributes in multiple dimensions, and provide practical support for relevant public opinion governance. [Methodology] This research is based on the social combustion theory, which will map to the sentiment, opinion leader and theme of the opinion reversal event from three perspectives of combustion materials, combustion agents and ignition temperature, to further select the Hu Xinyu incident for empirical research. [Results] The results show that the interaction of opinion leaders’ influence, theme changes and netizens’ emotional confrontation leads to the continuous “combustion” of public opinion reversal events, and jointly advances the evolution of public opinion. Opinion leaders play the role of “accelerant” in the incident, and good media can promote the positive development of netizens’ emotions. [Conclusions] Facing the reversal of public opinion, the mainstream media should take up the main responsibility in the process of public opinion management and promote the maximization of the impact of effective information; netizens should make rational judgement and voices on public opinion, trust the government, and maintain a positive mindset.