RedNote Accidentally Exposes Truth About China: The Tiktok to XiaoHongShu Migration, with Ben Norton

Introduction

In a recent discussion held in Chongqing between two friends, Daniel and Ben Norton, they explored the growing migration of TikTok users to XiaoHongShu, the Chinese social media platform. As the ban on TikTok looms in the United States, users are turning to XiaoHongShu, a platform often likened to Instagram, more focused on lifestyle and culture. This shift highlights an ironic twist: as the U.S. government seeks to censor and control information, American users are fleeing to a platform that provides direct communication with Chinese citizens, allowing them to gain an unfiltered perspective about life in China.

The conversation began with an examination of the irony surrounding the U.S. government's perception of China. Despite long-time beliefs about Chinese censorship and control over social media, it is the U.S. that is attempting to ban a popular social media app. Many TikTok users, who were unaware or uninterested in Chinese politics, are now immersing themselves in XiaoHongShu and discovering the truth behind various misconceptions, such as the infamous "social credit score" system, which they learn does not exist as widely as portrayed.

Norton described the experience of living in China, emphasizing that despite the size and diversity of the country, many outside of Asia are unaware of major cities like Chongqing, which has a population surpassing 30 million. The conversation highlighted the rapid development under Chinese governance, pointing to the significant reduction of poverty, and the modern, safe environment enjoyed by residents, including a low crime rate that contrasts sharply with the situation in the United States.

The pair discussed the implications of U.S. technology bans like TikTok and Huawei, revealing that this is not merely a cautionary measure against foreign influence, but rather an effort to maintain American tech dominance. They argued that it’s the U.S. that frequently uses social media as a tool for meddling in foreign politics, notably in regions like Latin America and the Middle East. The discussion veered towards the idea of "digital sovereignty" as asserted by the Chinese government, which seeks to protect its digital space from foreign interference.

As American TikTok users flock to XiaoHongShu, they inadvertently validate China's approach to digital sovereignty. While the potential for XiaoHongShu to launch an international version seems plausible, there's skepticism about how long it will remain uncensored by the U.S. government if it grows popular.

Moreover, discussions about the implications of historic U.S. interventions, such as the destabilization of Guyana in the 60s, provided context for the ongoing narrative of media censorship and manipulation worldwide. It emphasized the necessity for platforms like XiaoHongShu, which could give people from other backgrounds the chance to understand real perspectives straight from China.

Ultimately, Norton and Daniel expressed hope that this migration to XiaoHongShu could be an eye-opening moment for many about the realities of living in China, advocating for further exploration and understanding of the country by individuals rather than relying solely on Western narratives. They concluded on a positive note, suggesting that interested individuals should consider visiting China to experience life there firsthand.

Keywords

• TikTok
• XiaoHongShu
• China
• Social Media
• Digital Sovereignty
• Censorship
• American Users
• Misconceptions
• Propaganda
• Understanding China

FAQ

Q: What is the main reason for TikTok users migrating to XiaoHongShu?
A: Users are migrating due to the potential ban on TikTok in the U.S., and they seek to learn more about China through direct communication with Chinese citizens.

Q: What misconceptions about China are being addressed on XiaoHongShu?
A: Users are discovering that many of the stereotypes and myths about China, such as the existence of a social credit score system, are not accurate.

Q: How does this migration reflect on U.S. perceptions of China?
A: The migration highlights a discrepancy between the U.S. government's narrative of Chinese censorship and the reality that American users are able to access unfiltered content about China through platforms like XiaoHongShu.

Q: What is digital sovereignty?
A: Digital sovereignty refers to the idea that countries should control their own digital spaces and protect themselves from foreign influence, a stance emphasized by the Chinese government.

Q: Can the growth of XiaoHongShu lead to any challenges from the U.S. government?
A: Yes, if XiaoHongShu gains global popularity, there is a possibility that the U.S. government may attempt to ban or regulate it similarly to TikTok.