Social networks develop in China very actively

Bishkek, May 26, 2021. / Kabar /. Social networks are developing in China very actively, Zhang Yanqiu, Professor of Communication University of China told during online meeting with journalists within the framework of series of seminars organized by the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Global Times Online.

Speaking on the topic “Media Communication and Social Development in China”, Pr. Zhang Yanqiu said that not only the younger generation is very fond of using the Internet, but the old people too.

“My parents who are over 80 years old also use smartphones and get the information they need through social networks,” she said adding that the use of social networks is very common in China.

“Many people complain that such international social networks as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram do not work in China, but the Chinese people have enough their own social networks, such as the Weibo analogue of Twitter. We have Sina, which is very important platform for the Chinese public to disseminate information,” the professor noted.

Zhang Yanqiu also told about one more application called Wechat. “This is not only a social network for chatting, there are a lot of functions, including payment functions. Now the Chinese do not carry bank cards or cash. Even in the smallest market or in the village, everyone can pay through Wechat,” she said adding that these applications are very handy and convenient.

The professor mentioned about one more very influential social network - Douyin, which is widely used and almost half of the population of China are followers of it.

“Douyin is not only for watching short videos, it also has a function of poverty alleviation by helping ordinary people,” she added.

“Usually everyone has a stereotype that in China all social networks are controlled by the state and there is no freedom. On the contrary, Chinese social networks have huge audiences and are supported by the state. Social networks contribute to the development of the economy because they create a new Internet industry, therefore, in order to understand the Chinese Internet industry, we must look at it as an industry and not as simple social network,” Zhang Yanqiu, Professor of Communication University of China said.

A series of seminars "Media of China and SCO Member States 2021" have started on May 17 via videoconference.

An online media exchange event provides for lectures, seminars, forum. The 4th meeting was attended by more than 40 journalists from various countries of the world, including media representatives from Kyrgyzstan.