Why Is China Banning Influencers From Social Media?
Image: X/@influens_se
30 May 2024
In a controversial move, China has started banning super-rich influencers from social media for showing off their status and wealth
Image: X/@ShanghaiEye
The campaign started in April, when the country's internet watchdog, vowed to crack down on influencers who are ''deliberately showcasing a lavish lifestyle built on wealth''
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"Once materialism starts spreading, it can have a bad influence on teenagers . . . Hence this trend of luxury on the internet needs to be stopped," authorities said in a statement
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Most notable among them is jewellery dealer Wang Hongquanxing, nicknamed ''China's Kim Kardashian,'' known for his extravagant lifestyle including expensive clothing, jewellery
Image: X/@influens_se
In a TV interview, Wang said he never wore jewellery and clothes worth less than 10 million yuan (Rs 11,64,41,500)
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''Sister Abalone'', a wealthy socialite who gave online tours of her palatial Macau homes and "Mr Bo," who posted about luxury goods were also banned
Image: X/@ShanghaiEye
Several other influencers with millions of followers were also blocked from the Douyin platform as they too were engaged in "wealth-flaunting"
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State media described their style as a ''toxic influence'', adding that their behaviour creates a "highly distorted fantasy" and spreads "unhealthy values"
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The recent crackdown comes at a time when China is experiencing an economic slowdown that has hit the middle class especially hard
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Meanwhile, young people are also struggling in an intensely competitive job market. Experts say seeing people who seem so happy and wealthy creates a ''pretty warped psychology''
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