Warm Digital Hug

In a century from now, will our descendants tell tales of that fleeting moment of online harmony? Picture it: a bunch of newcomers shrugging off their digital baggage and launching into heartfelt “Hey, I’m new! Thanks for the warm welcome! Is there anything I should know?” vibes. And that’s not all – the seasoned Chinese users have embraced this influx without sarcasm or “trolling,” welcoming their new friends from across the sea.　

Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not a complete utopia. Some of the cultural exchanges are predictably shallow. I may have a mini-nervous breakdown if I see another post asking “Do Chinese people think I’m pretty/ handsome?” But in the midst of these cringe-worthy inquiries, there’s an overall pleasant tone in those cross-cultural chats. It’s like a warm digital hug.　

Interestingly, the only group feeling a tad unwelcoming since this trend started seems to be the foreign users already resident in China – the ones who were enjoying a laowai-free zone on RedNote. Laowai means foreigner in Chinese; it is a combination of the words lao (old) and wai (outside), which translates to “old outsider.” These foreigners who are trying to shut the door on a new wave of online immigrants are known as laonei, or “old insider.”　

As a Chinese-speaking foreign user, or laonei, of RedNote, I totally get the vibe. It was our cozy little corner of calm amid the swirling tempest of Facebook fights and Twitter rambles. Now, with all these newcomers, it’s like having too many guests show up at your house party – sure, they’re fun, but you keep wondering if they’re going to bring the house down.　

This is a golden opportunity for the laonei to serve as bridge-builders while growing our own online following. It’s a chance for Chinese-speaking foreigners in China to share insights that could have helped them when they first joined the app. The foreign community can create videos on “top trends on RedNote,” fostering greater connection between the two communities.　

Speaking of quiet corners, let’s take a moment to give a round of applause to the development team at RedNote. Imagine sitting in your office, slurping noodles, when – BAM! – millions of new users pop up on your app. Did they panic? Nope! Within weeks, they rolled out a new translation feature that lets foreign users read posts written in Chinese. No more guessing what words mean – they can enjoy both the English and Chinese content with ease! Five years ago, who would have guessed that what was once a small app for fashion tips and online shopping is now a thriving hub of Sino-Anglo communication.　

But here’s the BIG question: Is this new influx of users good for the app? RedNote started as a platform for middle-class young ladies, and you know what happens when a bunch of pretty young girls flock to any platform – herds of young men come racing in right behind them, like puppies chasing a bouncing ball. This saw RedNote change into an all-purpose social media realm, a vibrant marketplace of ideas and tips for any problems that one might face in life. Whether I was applying for my new passport in Beijing or looking for a good steakhouse, RedNote always felt more like a personal helper than an entertainment zone.　

Personally, I want RedNote to continue to be my go-to for foreign language learning and workout tips, not just another venue for viral cat videos. For the most part, more content is a blessing, but I only hope the useful content that made RedNote popular doesn’t vanish into a digital void.　

Ultimately, the RedNote phenomenon has gently nudged us to remember: we’re more alike than some would have us believe. Watching Chinese and Americans bond over shared interests, defying geographical barriers because they love the same cat or dog video is a beautiful example of the potential of the internet. This whole saga has reminded me that the world doesn’t have to be as toxic as X, ultimately giving this online cynic renewed faith in humanity.