The purpose of this study is to explore the nature of the internet's public opinion, drawing on concepts from the traditional approaches to public opinion. This paper employs text analysis to examine the form of public opinion in two internet forums. The "publics" on the internet fall into the following categories: anonymous public, multi-subjective public, symbolic public and minority public. The concept of public sphere in the internet is different from its traditional counterpart. Moreover, participants in the internet are capable of engaging in dialogues regarding public affairs, nevertheless, they tend to lack reflexive thinking and perspective taking abilities. The internet is thus far short of being a forum for deliberative democracy; rather it provides a convenient access for people to speak out.