Cultural Code
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The Secret Life of Stickers: How Emoji Replaced Language in Chinese Messaging
Discover how emojis and stickers have transformed digital communication in China, replacing words with emotional nuance and cultural expression in apps like WeChat.
2025-10-07
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Unpacking the Phenomenon of ‘Gu Chou’ – China’s Answer to Cringe Comedy
Explore the rise of Gu Chou, China's viral cringe comedy phenomenon blending awkward humor, social satire, and raw authenticity on platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou.
2025-10-07
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When a Dance Challenge Sparks a National Conversation: Body Politics on Douyin
How a viral dance trend on Douyin ignited a national conversation about body image, censorship, and digital equity in China.
2025-10-07
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Why Did a Simple Noodle Video Go Viral on Kuaishou? Tracing Authenticity in Content Trends
Discover why a simple noodle-making video went viral on Kuaishou, exploring the power of authenticity, emotional connection, and algorithmic support in today's content landscape.
2025-10-07
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From ‘Soulmate’ to ‘Emotional Bankruptcy’: Love and Loneliness in China’s Digital Age
Explore how China's youth navigate love and loneliness in the digital age, with data-driven insights on dating apps, emotional burnout, and the search for real connection.
2025-10-07
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From Rural Reels to Urban Laughter: Class Narratives in China’s Viral Videos
Explore how viral videos on platforms like Kuaishou and Douyin reflect China's growing class divide through humor, satire, and digital storytelling.
2025-10-07
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Meme Diplomacy: How Chinese Youth Use Humor to Navigate Political Discourse
Explore how Chinese youth use memes as a form of soft political expression, blending humor and satire to navigate public discourse in creative, compliant ways.
2025-10-07
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The Evolution of ‘Zhen Xiang’ (The Truth): A Visual Meme Trope Across Generations
Explore the rise and evolution of the 'Zhen Xiang' meme in Chinese internet culture—a dramatic visual trope turned satirical symbol across generations.
2025-10-07
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and Sarcasm: Emotional Layers Behind Chinese Netizen Expressions
Explore how Chinese netizens use irony and sarcasm as emotional tools in a censored digital landscape, blending humor with social critique.
2025-10-07
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Laughing Behind the Censorship: The Hidden Humor in Chinese Online Buzzwords
Explore the hidden humor in Chinese online buzzwords—how netizens use wit and wordplay to navigate censorship and express dissent.
2025-10-07
