Algorithmic biases have long been criticized for limiting people's exposure to diverse views. But in China — where content related to homosexuality faces the constant threat of censorship — filter bubbles can protect and nurture LGBTQ communities.
Guo Beibei, an internet celebrity beloved by China’s gay community for expressions of unadulterated weirdness as someone living on the fringes of society, was banned by Chinese internet censors for “performative ugliness.”
TikTok’s potential death throes in DC were live streamed across the world last week, but China’s domestic short video platform ecosystem is in rude health, buffed up by live streaming ecommerce.
A middle-aged woman in rural China — who was once caught pretending to be Russian using an AI-powered face and voice filter on Douyin — has cultivated an online following for her perceived “campy” aura…and one rather awful song.
As China grapples with an unprecedented COVID-19 surge following its relaxation of strict virus-control measures, people have to make their own fun while avoiding face-to-face interaction.
Famous for his relatable content and over-the-top acting, Zhang Qingyang has become the first creator to reach 100 million followers on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok.
The presence of drag queens and crossdressers who identify as straight on the Chinese internet is seen as a symbol of LGBTQ representation, helping cultivate tolerance and acceptance. It is also a reminder that Chinese society’s relationship with “queer” is more complicated than meets the eye.
“A performer, a propagandist, and a bunch of entry-level social workers. Together, they put together a black comedy,” a Weibo user wrote. Another person quipped, “We haven’t eliminated COVID-19 entirely yet, but it seems like a new brain disease has taken hold.”
A new set of rules released by Douyin aims to curb young Chinese users from being corrupted by online media.
Can the Chinese tech company behind TikTok and its Chinese version, Douyin, succeed where Hollywood-backed Quibi failed and get people to pay for short mobile phone films?