Connecting Dots | Foreign students share views on 'TikTok Refugee' phenomenon
"My Xiaohongshu feed is full of foreigners!" Over the past week, many self-proclaimed "TikTok refugees," mostly U.S. TikTok users, joined Xiaohongshu, sparking heated online discussions. Many international students in China have also been swept up in this trend.
When asked why people choose Xiaohongshu over other platforms, Agnes, a Brazilian student, explained, "Most people on Xiaohongshu are warm and friendly," making it easier for "TikTok refugees" to adapt and learn to use the platform. Russian students Liza and Sasha believe the move is a way to express dissatisfaction with the U.S. government. "People are angry about the TikTok ban. U.S. media groups or the government doesn't control Xiaohongshu, and it also allows people to engage more with Chinese culture, making it a good alternative."
However, entering a completely unfamiliar social platform comes with its challenges. Different platform rules and cultural differences create obstacles for new users. An Ecuadorian student, David sees this as a great opportunity for international exchange. "Many people in the West have stereotypes about China, and Chinese people also have stereotypes about foreigners. Now, users from both sides can interact directly, which promotes global awareness of the Chinese language and culture."
On the other hand, Sergio, a Peruvian student, is less optimistic about the influx of "TikTok refugees." "A Chinese is saying, 'there are pros and cons,'" he said. Sergio believes Xiaohongshu was designed primarily for Chinese users, and the arrival of foreign users could disrupt its original purpose, potentially limiting the user experience for both groups.
Facing this sudden wave of popularity, Agnes suggested a rational approach. "I think the 'TikTok refugee' phenomenon is just a phase and won't last long."
Intern Journalist: Peiyun Xu, Xiaoyi Zheng
Supervisor: Xiuling Zhu
Collaborative School: Guangdong University of Foreign Studies School of Journalism and Communication
Video Director: Sammi, Jack Wang
English Editor: Felicia Li, Darius Zhao
Producer: Tracy
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