Promoting a lavish lifestyle to encourage materialism can now get influencers thrown off social media in China. Since April, authorities have cracked down on those who flaunt ostentatious lifestyles for profit.
Last month, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the country’s internet watchdog, launched a campaign to discourage displays of extravagant wealth, according to the Financial Times.
Influencers Who Got Barred
China’s crackdown has claimed several high-profile social media influencers. Wang Hongquanxing, dubbed “China’s Kim Kardashian,” saw her Douyin account, which boasted 4.3 million followers, restricted. Similarly, “Sister Abalone,” who had over 2 million followers and showcased her luxurious homes, and “Mr Bo,” known for posting about luxury goods, also faced account restrictions, according to the Financial Times.
Chinese Social Media Platforms Enforce New Anti-Fake Wealth Rules
On May 15, Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu announced measures to curb ostentation. Influencers who showcase luxury homes and cars to promote products, flaunt large amounts of cash, or post minors using luxury goods may face bans. These measures follow similar actions taken by China in 2021 to prevent influencers from posting unethical content.
According to the Chinese Cyberspace Administration, celebrities can no longer display their wealth or indulge in extravagant pleasures on social media. Additionally, China is cracking down on the fabrication of information online.
In April, authorities seized the Douyin, Weibo, and BiliBili accounts of “Thurman Maoyibei” after she shared a fake story about a boy whose homework books went missing. In the viral video, she claimed that a coffee shop worker in Paris gave her two homework books belonging to a Chinese student and promised to return them. This led to a campaign to find the student and a viral hashtag.
The incident exemplifies the Chinese government’s actions against misinformation. The influencer apologized for “contaminating the internet,” and police indicated that she and her company could face a warning or detention as punishment.
The three companies did not immediately respond to requests for comments from Business Insider, and they were made outside normal working hours.
Impact On The Youth
In recent years, social media platforms have offered a window into the lives of the rich and famous, showcasing their extravagant lifestyles filled with luxury cars, designer clothes, and exotic vacations. While these images can be aspirational, they significantly impact the young generation, often fostering unrealistic expectations and unhealthy comparisons.
By flaunting luxuries, influencers create a distorted view of reality, causing feelings of inadequacy and envy among youngsters. The pressure to emulate such wealth leads some to financial irresponsibility, with individuals resorting to debt to maintain appearances. Moreover, the emphasis on material success overshadows the importance of personal development and well-being. Psychologists warn that this phenomenon contributes to psychological health issues, such as stress and depression, as youngsters struggle to meet these lofty standards.
