China Embraces 'TikTok Refugees' on RedNote Amidst Mixed Reactions
Users of the Chinese social media platform RedNote have extended a warm welcome to "TikTok refugees" from the United States, sparking a unique cultural exchange. The influx of over 700,000 new users follows the impending ban on TikTok in the U.S. due to national security concerns, prompting a surge in activity on RedNote.
RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, typically serves as a hub for lifestyle recommendations spanning beauty to food. However, it has now become an unexpected bridge for U.S.-China interactions, with users engaging in discussions about various topics, including pets, favourite foods, and daily lives.
While many Chinese users embraced the newcomers with messages like "welcome TikTok refugees," not everyone shared the same sentiment. Some expressed concerns about their platform being overtaken, while nationalist bloggers cautioned against American influences seeping in.
Chinese state media has lauded the trend, with state broadcaster CCTV highlighting that the TikTok users had found a "new home" on RedNote. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, emphasised that the use of social media is a personal choice and reiterated China's support for strengthening cultural exchanges among nations.
Unlike other Chinese social media platforms that have stringent restrictions, RedNote stands out by not requiring users to have a Chinese phone number and maintaining a single app version. This openness has facilitated the influx of foreign users, unlike platforms such as Weibo, which are predominantly accessed by Chinese residents.
However, the sudden surge of TikTok users on RedNote has not been universally welcomed. Some Chinese users have expressed discontent over the platform's evolving content, while nationalist bloggers have raised concerns about potential foreign influence.
Ren Yi, a prominent WeChat blogger, cautioned against being unwittingly influenced by what he referred to as "propagandists from the United States." Meanwhile, industry analyst Liu Xingliang predicted that the current enthusiasm among TikTok users for RedNote might be short-lived, citing potential challenges in user experience for foreigners on the platform.
As the influx of new foreign users continues, there are indications that some are testing the platform's censorship boundaries by attempting to discuss sensitive topics. RedNote is reportedly working on enhancing moderation of English-language content and developing English-Chinese translation tools to cater to its expanding user base.
RedNote experiences a surge of over 700,000 new users following the impending ban on TikTok in the U.S.
Chinese users welcome "TikTok refugees" with open arms, while some express concerns about foreign influence.
Chinese state media and officials endorse the cultural exchange, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding.
Source: REUTERS