Framing and Stigmatization: A Multidimensional Analysis of Anti-Chinese Narratives on Social Media during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study uses a narrative literature review to examine stigma in the Chinese community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on media framing and structural stigma. Drawing on Framing Theory and the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework (HSDF), this study examines how social media propagates stigmatizing discourses, including labeling language such as “Chinese virus,” while reinforcing dominant narratives through algorithmic bias and structural hierarchies. Reviewing literature from authoritative sources (primarily post-2020), this study integrates a historical perspective to analyze the construction, social impact, and policy implications of stigma. The findings provide valuable insights for promoting inclusive public discourse and guiding policymaking to counteract stigma.