'The grass isn't always greener': US netizens on Xiaohongshu challenge idealized perception of American life

For years, some in China have believed in the saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence," often describing life in the US as more comfortable and lucrative. However, with a growing number of American "TikTok refugees" flocking to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (RedNote), this idealized perception of American life is being challenged.

One of the most discussed topics by both US and Chinese users is the cost of living. A Chinese netizen asked, "Is it true that Americans need to work two jobs just to survive?" The unanimous response from US users was "Yes." Some shared stories of working 84 hours a week, with one user describing a grueling schedule of working from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, leaving them too exhausted to do anything but sleep.

Complaints about rising living costs in the US

American users on Xiaohongshu have been vocal about the high cost of living. A preschool teacher from Florida revealed that she earns US$3,120 per month but pays US$1,445 in rent, US$427 for a car loan, and $475 for car insurance, in addition to other expenses like phone bills, utilities, student loans, fuel, and groceries. Another office worker said her monthly income is only US$2,000, leaving her with just US$350 after expenses, forcing her to stretch that amount for the rest of the month.

Skyrocketing healthcare costs

Healthcare costs are another major grievance. Many American users on Xiaohongshu expressed frustration over the enormous medical expenses, which contrast sharply with the myth of "free healthcare" in the US. One user shared that their family is still paying off medical bills from six years ago. Others noted that the financial burden has led many young Americans to forgo having children.

A military medic revealed that her US$1,500 monthly salary barely covers her US$1,000 rent, adding that many US service members rely on government assistance to make ends meet. She also pointed out that a significant portion of the homeless population in the US consists of veterans.

The US tech media outlet InsideEVs pointed out that while the US frequently stirs up so-called "national security concerns," the potential ban on TikTok has done little to dampen the enthusiasm of ordinary American users for another Chinese-owned app. Referring to themselves as "TikTok refugees," American netizens have also highlighted their long-standing grievances against the US government.

A TikTok user with 100,000 followers, @saadia_m, remarked that the US government is essentially playing itself. While officials are debating whether TikTok should remain, users of the app have already started migrating to another platform owned by a Chinese company.

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