중국 웹소설 이용자의 특성에 관한 연구

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics of Chinese web novel users based on demographic factors.The results show that, firstly, male users in reading web novels were more than female users, especially the number of male users who invested more money in reading web novels was higher than female users. Secondly, the younger generation, especially the 20-30s, were the major users of web novels. Thirdly, college graduates were the main users of web novels, the strong sense of copyright protection and economic power make them become the most robust web novel users. Fourthly, students and workers read web novels more than other professionals. They read web novels to access the information, knowledge, and desire to relieve stress, which is necessary in the course of study and various tasks. Fifthly, the group with an average monthly income of 3,000­8,000 yuan was the largest user base of web novel. With the exception of the top and bottom tiers, they are more frequently in reading web novels because of the relatively high economic and purchasing power. Finally, urban residents who below the fourth-tier city were the main users. They are more likely to read web novels because they have more interests and leisure activities than large city residents. As a result, according to demographic factors - gender, age, educational background, income, and region, Chinese web novel users have different usage rates.