Chinese Social Media Is Like American Junk Food
On social reality in China
A first-generation Chinese-American explores four cultural differences that shape China's online ecosystem: the dominance of social reality and shame, a cynical 'Dark World' view of human nature, collective insecurity driving nationalism, and a tolerance for low-quality content that made AI slop a natural fit. He argues these traits are crucial for anyone trying to communicate AI safety or rationalist ideas in China.
I think there is a genuine sense in which people (everywhere, but more so in China) are more viscerally afraid of humiliation than death.