American, Chinese citizens bridge international divide on 'REDnote' app
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The U.S. will ban any smartphone applications owned by companies in "foreign adversary" nations on Sunday. But the popular social media app TikTok shut itself down on Saturday night, stating that "a law banning it has been enacted."
Around a third of U.S. adults used TikTok, according to Pew Research.
Ahead of the ban, some Americans decided to protest the law by signing up for the Chinese social media app REDnote. Since the exodus started on Monday, the app has held the top spot in the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store.
The merging of two distinct internet cultures and languages was a culture shock to existing and new users alike. Americans initially struggled with the app's Simplified Chinese interface and content, as well as glitches triggered by the massive wave of new users. Over the week, the glitches abated and the developers added a translation feature.
The site's rules also require users to adhere to Chinese law, much like how U.S.-based apps require users to adhere to U.S. laws. This means no criticism of China's leaders or policy and no promotion of drug culture or gambling.
The law banning TikTok may also mean an end for the REDnote app.
Texans post Longhorns pride on REDnote
Texans have shown off their cities and favorite places on REDnote. It doesn't take much searching to find posts with UT Austin's clock tower, Bevo and DKR Stadium.
KXAN asked Texans on the social media site about what brought them to the app.
A University of Texas at Austin freshman said she found the users less judgmental than on TikTok.
"Everyone is super welcoming," she said. "I’ve posted photos I’ve taken around UT and it has gotten traction from Chinese students at UT and others interested in going to UT."
An interest in Chinese culture was another draw to the app.
"I came here because it seemed interesting," she said, "I want to learn more about Chinese culture and how their social media is different from ours."
Another Texan, a social media marketing manager, said she's frustrated with U.S. officials.
"The main reason is our officials not listening to the people about the vitality of Tikok," she said. "I’ll be losing a few TikTok clients. So I had to explore another app I would possibly be fit to offer to my clients. Instagram's performance is barely comparable to TikTok."
She said that she's also found the Chinese response "really positive" and "extremely welcoming." Her favorite parts of the site are discussions of cultural differences and explanations about customs.
"They are genuinely curious about our lifestyle, and we’re genuinely curious about theirs," she said. "I think a lot of Americans are starting to realize how happy some people are in China, even though we were sold this scary tale about how terrible it is over there.
But the Austin-bound social media manager said that she's already on her second account on the site. Her first was banned following her posting a video where she kissed her girlfriend. She said that she feels the censorship isn't a reflection of the users' opinions, however.
"Of course there is some censorship," she said. "Honestly, the overwhelming majority of Chinese users have nothing but sweet things to say. Rarely, I get a few comments about 'being careful.'"
Queerness on social media, regardless of nation, is a tightrope. Facebook parent company Meta recently changed its moderation policies to reduce protections for LGBTQ+ users. X (formerly Twitter) has also stripped down its policies since its purchase by Elon Musk.
"Honestly, I have never felt safe discussing my sexuality on Instagram or Facebook, before or after the updates," the social media manager said. "It’s just not a platform that’s comfortable for homosexuals. You’re always subjected to some sort of hate. Versus TikTok, which was a thriving community of queer people."
China's users react to American arrivals
KXAN also asked the site's users in China for their thoughts about the new Americans in their midst. Comments from those users were read using REDnote's in-app translation feature.
One user from the Chinese province of Jiangsu said they and others in China have previously used foreign social media websites.
"[We] do not like a lot of biased remarks against us, so don't want to waste time to refute it," that user said. "You are welcome to experience what kind of environment we are in, I believe you can feel our happiness and kindness."
"Both Chinese and American users are ordinary people who seek a better life," said momo (a meme name used by anonymous users) from Xinjiang. "American friends may be easier to express their feelings, and Chinese people are relatively reserved."
For some, the conversations online have brought them a new (or for some, renewed) sense of global community.
"Such direct communication allows us to see each other's real life and thoughts, and this feeling is too wonderful," said a user in Beijing.
"I haven't seen the internet so vibrant for a long time," said a user in Shanghai. "The enthusiasm and sincerity of American friends is touching. It reminds me of the 2008 Beijing Olympics when everyone was talking about the global village. The news is full of confrontation and disputes, I haven't felt this kind of harmony in a long time."
Some users said they've been surprised to learn about the conditions and hardships faced by many Americans. Both countries' citizens have compared the costs of living, medical care and housing.
"How did you Americans survive under such high pressure?" asked one user from the province of Guangdong. "Everything is different to the US I learned about 10 years ago."
"I thought you all lived a relaxed life, but it turns out everyone is quite tired," said another user in Guangdong. "The lives of people at the bottom even sound worse than ours."
But a user in Japan had insight into what users may be feeling -- solidarity.
"They are Chinese cows and horses, and you are American cows and horses," they said. "We are instigated to be hostile to each other. This dialogue makes us understand that we are all ordinary people who love life."