Summary
Many Americans joining China’s social media platform RedNote are encountering strict censorship uncommon in Western platforms.
One non-binary user had a post asking if the platform welcomed gay people removed within hours.
Posts on LGBTQ+ topics, fitness photos, and sensitive cultural content have been censored, frustrating users unfamiliar with China’s moderation rules.
RedNote is hiring English-language moderators to handle the influx. While some users enjoy cultural exchange, others criticize restrictions.
Analysts see RedNote’s growth among US users as a soft power win for China.
You’re on red note? I never really used tiktok, just stuck with shorts, but I’ve been considering checking out RN just for the interaction with Chinese folks. Sounds interesting. Do you reccomend?
More effective to just start penpal relationships with Chinese folks you find on the internet. Just write some shit about the T-square and Pooh and if they keep responding you know it’s secure.
I never used TikTok either! I’m not super into short video content. I had a macro photography account on IG about 5 years ago with 30k followers; I closed it after a lot of life obstacles but recently started shooting again. I’m not super into supporting Meta, so I thought I’d just see how RN is since it’s both image and video content. I’ve honestly been incredibly surprised! There’s a lot more user interaction in posts with so much of it being supportive. There are creators posting there whose content on other platforms would always attract negative and hateful comments - absolutely none of that so far on RN. The CN community has been very welcoming, patient, and helpful to new users. I definitely think it’s worth checking out, even if it’s just to get a glimpse of another culture!
I guarantee you won’t be interacting with regular “Chinese folk.” There are multiple networks. One for inside the firewall, and one for the people who have been chosen to deliver content to the western market. This is how it has always been.