Week 11 China Case Study: The Impact of Social Media Bans on Chinese Users and Global Connections
Let's say you're on your lunch break and you're looking through Douyin, which is like TikTok in China. It's funny to see someone mess up their cooking one minute and then see someone sipping champagne on a yacht while wearing designer labels you can't even say the next. Interesting? Yes. Feeling it? Not really.
The Chinese government thinks it's even more dangerous than tone-deaf. That's why they started an effort to stop influencers from showing off their money. It's not just about getting rid of flashy posts, though. This is part of a much bigger story about freedom, control, and what happens when the internet turns into a fight for values.
The Ban on Flaunting Wealth
As part of the Qinglang campaign, this new trend aims to stop people from "flaunting their wealth." The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) isn't messing around; they've already banned the accounts of Wang Hongquan and Bo Gongzi for showing off their expensive lives. Picture closets full of HermĆØs bags, fancy cars, and private jets.
The government says that these posts make people angry and unhappy, especially when the economy is getting worse. It's terrible to be unable to pay your rent while someone is opening their third Rolex of the month. It's not just about money, though. The ad is part of a bigger story that rejects "money worship" and encourages modesty.
It's like the government is telling them, "We watch your yacht and raise you with virtues and social stability."
A Wave Across Borders
This crackdown doesn't end when you leave China's internet borders. Many users and leaders are continuing to share their content on sites like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). But here's where things get tricky: reports say that Chinese authorities are looking into people who follow these banned influencers, even on sites outside of China.
This makes me think a lot about free speech and privacy. How much power should the government have, especially when it affects more than just its own people? People who care about human rights are pushing for these people to be protected, but the situation is still not clear.
It's funny that while Beijing tries to control the news at home, a lot of Chinese people are using VPNs to get around restrictions and access foreign platforms. It's like squeezing sand into your hand and the more you try, the more you let go.
The Real Side
What about the people who are in the middle of all this? That's when things get close. For many influential people, showing off their money wasn't just for fun; it was how they made a living. An ex-influencer named Lyla Lai talked about the backlash she got from watchers who didn't like how different their real lives were from their online fantasies.
Being exposed to unrealistic lives all the time can make you lose your mind. You start to think that their private jet is better than yours and that your packed lunch is better than their meals with Michelin stars. It's hard not to feel like you're losing in life's unspoken race, even if you're happy most of the time.
There is some truth to the idea that better online spaces should exist, but the main problem is figuring out what "healthy" really means. Should the government tell people what they can post or read?
Control is what this crackdown is all about, not just influencers or flashy material. It's about a government that controls stories, shapes ideals, and keeps things stable by using digital platforms. It's also about regular peopleāChinese internet users who are finding it harder to use the internet because it's getting smaller while they want more freedom and connection.
It's a lesson of how the internet can both bring people together and push them apart. Since the internet is more than just information, people will always find ways to get around restrictions. There's a desire to be a part of something bigger, to be curious, and to connect with other people.
My Last Thoughts
China's crackdown on influencers who show off their money is a stark example of how the digital world is a lot like real life: it's messy, confusing, and full of contradictions. People will always look for places where they can easily express themselves, even if they have to climb the Great Firewall to do so. This is true even though the government tries to stop people from being unhappy and reinforce its values.
There's no denying that the internet is both free and controlled, whether you're an influencer, a fan, or just someone looking for memes. That's a good thing to talk about, whether you're eating gold or instant noodles.
This is the end of it... BYE BYE BYE !!
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References
Chen, D., & Gao, G. (2024, June 24). Chinaās crackdown on āwealth-flauntingā social media puts pressure on influencers ā both on the mainland and in taiwan ā to echo the party line. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/chinas-crackdown-on-wealth-flaunting-social-media-puts-pressure-on-influencers-both-on-the-mainland-and-in-taiwan-to-echo-the-party-line-231224
Jett, J., & Zhu, J. (2024, May 29). China is banning āwealth-flauntingā behavior on social media. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-banning-wealth-flaunting-behavior-social-media-rcna154240
Zhang, A. (2024, February 27). China users on banned social platforms need protection, advocates say. Voice of America. https://www.voanews.com/a/china-users-on-banned-social-platforms-need-protection-advocates-say/7505043.html