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Modification and Mediation: A Qualitative Study of the Modification Practices of the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV on the RedNote Platform

Dong, Ruisi LU (2025) MKVM13 20251
Media and Communication Studies
Department of Communication and Media
Abstract
This study explores how young Chinese car owners creatively modify a specific model, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, and mediate these behaviors through the social media platform RedNote, transforming this affordable micro-electric vehicle into a vehicle for identity performance and resistance. Based on media and cultural studies, this study adopts a qualitative method, combining qualitative text analysis and semiotic analysis to study 100 RedNote posts, which contain user-generated content and brand-generated content. The results show that modification behavior goes beyond the scope of technical adjustments and becomes a symbolic consumption behavior, in which users construct personal aesthetics, subcultural belonging, and emotional... (More)
This study explores how young Chinese car owners creatively modify a specific model, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, and mediate these behaviors through the social media platform RedNote, transforming this affordable micro-electric vehicle into a vehicle for identity performance and resistance. Based on media and cultural studies, this study adopts a qualitative method, combining qualitative text analysis and semiotic analysis to study 100 RedNote posts, which contain user-generated content and brand-generated content. The results show that modification behavior goes beyond the scope of technical adjustments and becomes a symbolic consumption behavior, in which users construct personal aesthetics, subcultural belonging, and emotional narratives through visual and discursive means. On the RedNote platform, modified vehicles serve as platforms for carefully curated identity performances and are mediated through the RedNote platform, enhancing visibility and amplifying cultural participation phenomena. At the same time, these behaviors also subtly challenge the disciplines of mainstream society, including normative adulthood and the authority represented by regulations. Drawing on theories of symbolic consumption, identity performance, and everyday resistance, this study aims to gain a broader understanding of how young people use consumer products, digital platforms, and visual narratives to explore individuality and autonomy in structured social contexts. The study highlights the importance of the car not just as a means of transport, but as a mobile medium that carries culture, aspirations and dissent. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Dong, Ruisi LU
supervisor
organization
course
MKVM13 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Car modification, Symbolic consumption, Identity Performance，Resistance
language
English
id
9188701
date added to LUP
2025-07-04 08:06:02
date last changed
2025-07-04 08:06:02
@misc{9188701,
  abstract     = {{This study explores how young Chinese car owners creatively modify a specific model, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, and mediate these behaviors through the social media platform RedNote, transforming this affordable micro-electric vehicle into a vehicle for identity performance and resistance. Based on media and cultural studies, this study adopts a qualitative method, combining qualitative text analysis and semiotic analysis to study 100 RedNote posts, which contain user-generated content and brand-generated content. The results show that modification behavior goes beyond the scope of technical adjustments and becomes a symbolic consumption behavior, in which users construct personal aesthetics, subcultural belonging, and emotional narratives through visual and discursive means. On the RedNote platform, modified vehicles serve as platforms for carefully curated identity performances and are mediated through the RedNote platform, enhancing visibility and amplifying cultural participation phenomena. At the same time, these behaviors also subtly challenge the disciplines of mainstream society, including normative adulthood and the authority represented by regulations. Drawing on theories of symbolic consumption, identity performance, and everyday resistance, this study aims to gain a broader understanding of how young people use consumer products, digital platforms, and visual narratives to explore individuality and autonomy in structured social contexts. The study highlights the importance of the car not just as a means of transport, but as a mobile medium that carries culture, aspirations and dissent.}},
  author       = {{Dong, Ruisi}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Modification and Mediation: A Qualitative Study of the Modification Practices of the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV on the RedNote Platform}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}