Thread by @SputnikInt

🧵REDNOTE EXPLOSION: MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DISCOVER A DIFFERENT CHINA

(1/9) The US TikTok ban, aimed at countering Chinese “influence operations,” seems to have backfired as American users flocked to RedNote, a popular Chinese social media platform. Here’s what they’re finding

(2/9) Journalist Li Jiangjing noted that “simple chats with average Chinese people” have led some Americans to reassess their own system. She shared a video of an upset American who realized the US isn’t quite the paradise they imagined.

(3/9) Discussions on RedNote have highlighted key differences in living standards. Americans report spending more on essentials like groceries, housing and healthcare, while many in China benefit from a more regulated system that reduces personal debt.

(4/9) Some Americans discovered that Chinese society is not as “cold or disconnected” as they thought. The interactions on RedNote revealed a focus on community and support that contrasts with their own experiences at home.

(5/9) Other revelations include China’s heavy emphasis on education and technology. Users noted how China’s progress in these areas differs from the US approach, sparking a new understanding of each country’s priorities.

(6/9) Many Americans on RedNote also questioned the notion of liberty, pointing out that perceived US freedoms often mask systemic challenges. Some even described living under an “oligarchy,” reshaping their views on democracy and control.

(7/9) One striking observation: while the Chinese government is often criticized for surveillance, users noted that US Big Tech’s data collection practices rival – or even surpass – state-level monitoring in China.

(8/9) Despite these differences, Americans found Chinese users to be welcoming and curious. The exchange of ideas on RedNote has built a bridge between two very different worlds, challenging stereotypes on both sides.

(9/9) In just a few days, RedNote amassed over 3.4 million US users. This flood of new activity has given Americans a first-hand look at life on the other side of the globe.