Amid concerns over an imminent ban of TikTok in the United States, many TikTok creators have begun migrating to Xiaohongshu, the Chinese social media platform also known as RedNote. Dubbed “TikTok refugees”, these creators are sharing their experiences, leading to unique cross-cultural exchanges and prompting “life audits” between Chinese and American netizens.
These online discussions compare various aspects of daily life, from salaries and housing costs to healthcare expenses and education, challenging long-held stereotypes and revealing surprising contrasts.
American netizens have shared their struggles with high living costs, particularly in urban areas. A common theme is the exorbitant cost of healthcare. “I just received a bill for a routine checkup, and it was over $500,” one American user shared. “I can’t imagine what a serious illness would cost. I feel like I’m constantly on the brink of financial ruin due to medical expenses.”
Meanwhile, Chinese netizens highlight the affordability of goods and services in their country. The cost of housing, especially in smaller cities, is often significantly lower than in the United States. “I can buy a decent apartment in my hometown for the price of a parking space in San Francisco,” a Chinese user posted. “It’s amazing how different our living experiences are.”
These exchanges have also unveiled fascinating cultural insights. Chinese netizens are intrigued by the global popularity of Chinese pop music (C-pop) artists like Jackson Wang and Lay Zhang, and how they contribute to the growing popularity of Korean pop music (K-pop) globally. This has sparked discussions about the globalization of music, the influence of Asian culture on global pop culture, and the evolving dynamics of the music industry.
Similarly, American netizens express interest in the enduring popularity of classic rock bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and how these bands continue to influence contemporary music. This has led to debates about preserving musical heritage and the evolution of musical genres across generations.
These cross-cultural exchanges on Xiaohongshu offer valuable opportunities for people to learn about different lifestyles, values, and perspectives, fostering greater understanding between Chinese and American netizens.
Reference(s):
Life 'audits' on Xiaohongshu demolish cross-cultural stereotypes
cgtn.com
