Saving Pets: A Study of Online Mutual Aid Among Marginal Group During the China COVID-19 Quarantine Period

Abstract

Under the forced and high-pressure situation of the epidemic lockdown, how did marginal groups use digital media to gather, expand and help each other? How do humans, animals and media work together? From the perspective of translation theory, this study examined the emergence and development of online pets mutual aid group in Guangzhou, China during the lockdown period of COVID‑19. This study found that digital media are not only translating other actors to become the organizational force of online pets mutual aid group but also translating themselves to promote the long-term development of the group. These two translations strengthen the resilience of the groups. Even if external pressures disappear, the spirit of mutual assistance and innovative mode of operation will continue because of continuous translation. Online pets mutual aid group challenge anthropocentrism. The group was a manifestation of the vitality of human, non-human or animal co‑interpretation and an extension of human tolerance and identification of non-human species.

Keywords

• digital media
• translation
• pets
• online mutual aid group