Technological-progress and accident-drive: the presentation of the topic of “medical beauty” in the domestic media——the media reports of “People’s Daily”, “Southern Metropolis Daily” and “China Women’s Daily” as examples (2000-2022)

South China Normal University, China

^* Corresponding author: zengkaiyinzxy@qq.com

Abstract

Based on the framework theory, this study takes “People’s Daily”, “Southern Metropolis Daily” and “China Women’s Daily” three traditional media with different positioning as examples, to have a glimpse of their media discourse presentation and practice of “medical beauty”. Through content analysis, it is found that the media presentation of medical and aesthetic topics is mainly driven by events, and its positive aspects are not only reflected in the possibility of providing people with the chance to change their lives and destiny, but also tied to the discourse of technological nationalism. There are significant differences in the framework and topic focus of different media. People’s Daily pays more attention to constructive perspectives such as industrial economic framework and governance, while media such as Southern Metropolis Daily lays more emphasis on accidental issues that can draw the attention of the audience.