By love-89.com Recently, a report has shed light on an alarming issue that exists in the depths of the internet, one that many young and middle-aged people may be unaware of. According to a recent article from China Youth Daily, some livestream hosts are fabricating storylines and referring to elderly fans as “mom” and “dad,” luring them into purchasing counterfeit products. Many seniors, believing these obvious scams, end up spending substantial amounts of money on the hosts’ goods while becoming deeply immersed in the fabricated narratives.
In today’s online shopping landscape, nothing is off-limits. For instance, a recent exposé by CCTV highlighted a host known as “Sister Rain” from Northeast China, who has profited significantly by dramatizing a rural lifestyle to attract viewers. The various “children” in these livestreams—who heavily rely on made-up stories to sell products—are challenging our perspectives. Were it not for media coverage, many young and middle-aged individuals might remain oblivious to the existence of these so-called “filial children” infiltrating the lives of our parents.
Addressing the issue of these predatory livestream hosts targeting seniors requires a multifaceted approach, with the primary responsibility resting on the platforms themselves. While it’s true that various online platforms have opened up new avenues for social interaction, entertainment, and commerce, they must also remain vigilant against emerging problems. Particularly concerning are the new avenues in which these scripted livestreams operate. It is the duty of these platforms to act as gatekeepers. On a technical level, they need to enhance content review processes while refining algorithmic recommendations and developing a comprehensive traffic distribution system to broaden the reach of quality content. Additionally, it’s crucial to streamline consumer protection mechanisms so that scammed seniors can easily return products and reclaim their losses.
Moreover, in light of these evolving challenges, refining relevant legislation is imperative. In September, Zhejiang Province’s market regulation authorities issued guidelines on livestream marketing that prohibit individuals from impersonating “experts” in medical, educational, or financial fields, as well as from fabricating professional backgrounds and relationships to deceive audiences into trusting or purchasing products or services. This marks the first time such regulations have been included in official documents in China.
The unrestrained actions of these “livestream children” also highlight a significant societal issue that warrants attention. While it’s commonly said that “the elderly are above and the young below,” many middle-aged individuals often find their focus predominantly on their own children. Consequently, a substantial number of elderly people experience prolonged periods of loneliness and lack the companionship of family, leading to emotional voids and social isolation. When a livestream host affectionately calls out “mom” or “dad,” it resonates deeply with this demographic, tapping into their vulnerabilities. Yet, this “emotional value” always comes at a price.
The exposure of these “livestream children” serves as a wake-up call for all of us. Genuine children need to show more concern and spend quality time with their parents—engaging them in conversations and genuinely caring for their emotional well-being—so that the deceitful “imposter children” do not exploit their absence.