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Poster Short Abstract

This study examines how China's digital citizen science platforms reach hard-to-reach groups and influence their participation. While these platforms potentially enhance access through technology, lack of outreach and usability issues hinder full participation, especially from remote areas.

Poster Abstract

This study explores how China's digital citizen science platforms, such as Wild Friends (YePengYou), BioGrid (ShengMingWangGe), and TingJianWanWu, reach hard-to-reach groups, and how these platforms influence their participation and promote fairness. Using a combination of the walkthrough method (Light, 2018) and textual analysis of media reports, the study finds that the platforms’ technological infrastructure, leveraging mobile Internet, AI technology, and commercial funding, has made it easier for hard-to-reach groups to participate. These resources potentially enhance access and provide greater inclusivity in citizen science projects, allowing previously excluded populations to engage. However, despite these advancements, participation remains concentrated in major cities, with rural or remote populations significantly underrepresented. This geographic imbalance can be attributed to insufficient outreach efforts, ineffective communication channels, and low public awareness, which limit the impact of the platforms in less accessible areas. Another significant finding is the affordance of the platforms. The lack of clear guidance and user-friendly interfaces makes it difficult for non-expert users to engage meaningfully, particularly those from hard-to-reach groups. This research highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to inclusivity, focusing not just on the technological potential but also on addressing the socio-technical barriers that limit access for hard-to-reach groups.