American TikTok users are finding a new digital home on China’s RedNote app, sparking unexpected friendships and cultural exchanges with Chinese netizens.
Worried about the potential shutdown of TikTok, many American users—calling themselves “TikTok refugees”—have migrated to RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in Chinese. Almost overnight, this platform has become a virtual meeting place where people from both sides of the Pacific share experiences, help with homework, and exchange insights.
On RedNote, users are encouraged to share pictures of their pets—a practice affectionately termed “pet tax.” This simple act has become a gateway to deeper interactions. Chinese users assist their American counterparts with math assignments, while Americans offer English lessons in return. Discussions have organically expanded to cover everyday topics like rent, university tuition, and grocery costs.
These candid conversations have led to eye-opening realizations. Many Chinese users discovered that the idealized image of the United States—filled with big houses and free healthcare—isn’t the whole story. Similarly, American users learned that China’s portrayal in some media outlets doesn’t reflect the reality of its people’s lives.
By connecting directly, netizens have begun to challenge and break down stereotypes. They’ve found that despite cultural differences, they share common desires and concerns. A user from Arizona posted a photo of the moon, writing in Chinese, “Good morning, China! The moon is still up in the sky here. I think it’s cool that we can see it at the same time through this app! I hope everyone has a pleasant evening!” Chinese users warmly replied with ancient poems about shared moonlight and friendship.
The surge in RedNote’s global downloads isn’t limited to the United States; people worldwide are joining this digital community. It’s becoming a global village where stories and smiles are shared freely. This phenomenon reflects a growing desire among young people for genuine connection and understanding across borders.
In a world often divided by misunderstandings, these spontaneous online friendships offer a hopeful glimpse into what global unity could look like. As one ancient saying goes, “Though miles apart, we share the same sky.” Through platforms like RedNote, young people are proving that distance is no barrier to friendship and that together, they can build a brighter future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
