Living in a Digital World: Different Reflection on the Online Taoism Spreading

Abstract

With the rise of the Internet and social media, Taoism’s ideas, symbols and other information have gradually come into the public’s view through Internet platforms. However, Taoist culture, as an excellent traditional Chinese culture, faces challenges and uncertainties when adapting to the new cultural communication methods in the digital age. In order to comprehensively understand the current status of Taoist culture’s online communication in the digital age and to promote the modernization of traditional Taoist culture, this study uses questionnaires and interviews to collect the views of two groups, Taoist priests and the general public, on online Taoist culture communication. The study found that although the Internet has facilitated the popularization of Taoist culture, its dissemination is relatively shallow and suffers from fragmentation of information and shallow understanding. Regarding online communication channels, Taoist priests support the integration of Taoist culture with digital society with an open attitude. However, the public wants to improve the accuracy and systematization of online communication. The study suggests that the participation of Taoist officials should be strengthened, and that the government and society should respect the objective laws of Taoist cultural development and reduce intervention to promote the transmission and development of Taoist culture in the digital age. This study helps to clarify the current situation of Taoist thought’s online dissemination and provides inspiration for authorities to promote the development of excellent traditional Chinese culture.