“That is a Besieged City”: The Labor Expectation and Script Writing of Interns at the Internet “Giants”

LV Zijian; LIN Zhongxuan; LI Yujuan

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Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication ›› 2024, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (11) : 6-25.

Specific Topic/Labor and Occupation in Media Organizations

“That is a Besieged City”: The Labor Expectation and Script Writing of Interns at the Internet “Giants”

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Abstract

Existing research often frames interns as proactive individuals under the concept of “manufacturing consent”. However, fieldwork reveals a private side marked by indignation and resistance, raising questions about the contrast between their onstage and offstage personas and its formation. Using the hidden transcripts theory and a processual perspective, this study examines the psychological transitions and authenticity shifts of interns at the Internet “giants” in China before and during their internships. Findings show that interns experience an emotional cycle of expectation, disenchantment, and resistance when facing the gap between ideals and reality. Yet, practical constraints compel them to endure temporarily through “compromise”. As self-awareness of authenticity grows, they adopt script-adjustment strategies to safeguard their interests. However, this compromise has limits, and triggering events may lead to performative withdrawal as a form of resistance.

Key words

Internet “giants” / labor consent / hidden transcripts / interns / authenticity

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LV Zijian , LIN Zhongxuan , LI Yujuan. “That is a Besieged City”: The Labor Expectation and Script Writing of Interns at the Internet “Giants”[J]. Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication. 2024, 46(11): 6-25

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Funding

2024 Jinan University Doctoral Candidate Top-notch Innovative Talent Training Program“Research on the Invisible Overtime Dilemma and the Protection of Rest Rights and Interests of Internet Enterprises”(2024CXB012)