As is well known, China has a very heavily censored digital media presence. Every aspect of this world is monitored closely by the Chinese government. Consequently, China has banned access to many western digital platforms, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, Venmo, and many others. However, this does not mean that the Chinese population has no access to such platforms. The unique situation of China digital media has led to the rise of the so-called super-apps, one app that can do it all, and WeChat is the most prominent of this kind. Imagine WeChat as a combination of PayPal, Venmo, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and your bank’s app. The app has countless features that allow you to communicate through direct messages, share experiences, share photographs, make a call or video call, pay a friend, transfer money, pay salaries, pay for taxes, pay for utilities, order services, pay for services, buy food and groceries, offer customer service, set up an online shop, reserve a restaurant, and the list goes on. The app has become so efficient and integral to the Chinese people that it has become part of the culture. If you go to China, you will find that every person has this app installed on their phones, because the app is now more widely accepted as a payment method than actual currency. Now a person can satisfy most of his or her basic daily transaction with one single app. The power of this app cannot be underestimated. It has persuaded millions of people to change the way they interact with the world around them. Furthermore, with the government heavily invested in it, all data collected is analyzed by the government. Consequently, all relevant information the government wants to censor can be done swiftly through a single app. With the majority of the Chinese population as its audience, this app has become a intrinsic part of the Chinese culture.
This is such a creative solution!
First of all, I do understand how it feels, when I was in Iran most digital platforms/apps were also banned. So, although it might be frustrating, I actually think that having the ability to do everything on one app is actually pretty convenient. You do not need to have so many accounts. Of course, maybe the fact that your bank account information is in the same app as where you chat with people creates a feeling of insecurity. But, I am sure that the security issue has been thought out as seen by the popularity of the app. I have actually seen many Chinese who use this specific app and I never knew what it was so thank you for explaining.
This is really interesting to me. The possibility to data analytics on consumer trends is incredible, and while I personally don’t love the idea of governments collecting all of this data, a huge upside to them doing so is the ability to better understand its citizens. I have to wonder if the Chinese government works closely with researchers and universities to study this data as it relates to employment outcomes, civic behaviors, and consumer trends.
I have a question – do you know why the app has developed so many features? I’m surprised that multiple different apps haven’t filled those different niches/needs.
Have a great last couple of weeks of the semester!
Best,
Cory Steinle