social media

social-media

How the Return of a Beloved Influencer Broke China’s Internet 

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

Li Ziqi won millions of fans before 2021 with her soothing videos about life in rural China. Now, she is back after a long, mysterious absence.

He Qitong

After the Storm: Influencer Reflects on Pregnancy Backlash

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

An online influencer from the Chinese countryside who was criticized for delaying her graduate studies to have a child shares the reality behind the media storm.

Jiemian News

An Olympian’s Viral Photo Has Young Chinese Racing for Toy Turtles

After a viral post by Olympic diving sensation Quan Hongchan, toy turtles became the latest must-have for young Chinese fans, fueling a nationwide blind box obsession.

Chinese Women Spark Fury After Locking Crying Toddler in Plane Toilet

The women said they were just trying to help the child’s grandparents “set some rules.”

Li Xin

Lin Liuhan

‘Send You Trending’: How Chinese Social Media Users Fight Their Platforms

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

Huangfu Boyuan

Can China Curb the Online Harrassment of Women?

The Olympics cast a harsh spotlight on the treatment of women online.

Huang Qian

Social Class: Art Professor’s Bite-size Videos Click With Netizens

A Tsinghua University academic has earned an online following for her one-minute clips that introduce complicated art and design concepts in plain language.

Beijing Youth Daily

Logout Log: The Insider Tracking Resignations in China’s Big Tech

Wang Jian catalogs social media posts of individuals who quit their tech jobs to escape the corporate grind. Over the last month, his blog has surged in popularity among those disillusioned by high-pressure careers.

Love and Money: The Dating Scene for China’s Millionaires

A dating platform has found success organizing events for high-net-worth individuals in Beijing, but questions linger over the age limits and beauty standards set for women.

Oh! Youth (36Kr)

For Chinese Students, the New Tactic Against AI Checks: More AI

In recent months, Chinese universities have begun using advanced AI systems to detect machine-generated content in dissertations. In response, students, including those who did not initially use chatbots, are turning to AI tools to ensure their work passes these stringent checks.

Chinese Influencers Banned Amid ‘Money Worship’ Clampdown

The three influencers attracted millions of followers by flaunting their super-rich lifestyles. Then, they suddenly disappeared from every major Chinese social platform.

Ding Rui

How DAN, ChatGPT’s Rogue Twin, Is Wooing Young Chinese

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

The unfiltered version of OpenAI’s popular chatbot, DAN, which stands for Do Anything Now, is growing increasingly popular among China’s Gen Z with its candid and often provocative responses. On social media, conversations with DAN are amassing millions of views.

Shu Xinrou

Year After Going Under, China’s Iconic Online Forum Plots a Comeback

Announcing that it had secured the funds to restart, the online forum Tianya also revealed plans to introduce e-commerce services and paid memberships to remain financially viable.

In China’s Array of Dialects, Emerging Writers Find a New Voice

While novels in regional dialects aren’t new in China, they have surged in popularity among young writers in recent years, particularly amid increased social media exposure.

Yang Caini

Lin Pingxiu

How a Student’s Fake Exercise Book Broke the Chinese Internet

For weeks, China was captivated by an influencer’s heartwarming attempt to find the owner of two lost primary school books. Then, the truth came out.

Old Age, New Stage: On China’s TikTok, the Elderly Find a Second Act

As China grapples with a rapidly aging population, hundreds of new short video accounts have emerged detailing life in care homes. Many look to reshape perceptions and the stigma around elder care.

In China’s Hot New Reality TV Show, Talent Gives Way to Drama

While “Memories Beyond Horizon” is meant to spotlight emerging talent, its surge in interest is fueled by debates over participants’ awkward performances and the constant criticism from mentors.

Not Just Toys: How Young Chinese Are ‘Parenting’ Dolls 

As more young Chinese women “raise” plush cotton dolls like children, researchers find a link to loneliness and a desire for belonging.

White Night Workshop

China’s Top Tech Giants Clash on Social Media Over Plagiarism Claims

NetEase has accused Tencent’s “Honor of Kings” of copying its character art, sparking widespread online debate.

Starved of Affection at Home, Young Chinese Seek Out ‘Digital Parents’

Many young Chinese feel unable to emotionally connect with their parents. So they’re turning to online influencers for the intimacy they crave.