[Purpose/significance] The users of high influence on social media platforms may lead the public opinion about public emergencies, and have positive or negative effects on the later evolution of events and their results. Identifying high-influence users on social media platforms is of great theoretical and practical significance in managing the online public opinion about public emergencies. [Method/process]In this study, high-influence users are categorized into three types, i.e. the topic initiator, opinion leader, and opinion reverser. The method of profiling high-influence users has been proposed based on topic consistency and emotional support. The event of "Jiankui He Editing the Infant’s Gene" was investigated. The three types of high-influence users were identified and their opinion differences and dynamic evolution were revealed. The comprehensive profiles of high-influence users were constructed. [Result/conclusion]The findings of this study can help emergency management departments master the focus of attention and emotional attitudes to the public emergencies by the key users of social media and provide method and data support for opinion
management and decision-making of emergencies.