The enthusiasm seems real. But for a population that lived through the mass layoffs of the 1990s, optimism and fear can look identical from the outside.
One of the most insightful essays I’ve read lately. The author deeply understands everyday life in China and brilliantly explains the real mechanics behind the country's 'AI optimism.' It is a powerful reminder that this systemic anxiety drives so many of our societal issues, with AI adoption being just one reflection of it.
In reality, it is misleading to assume that a country this large has a unified—or even "mainstream"—view on anything.
The mindset described in the article—essentially FOMO or being left behind—primarily fits two groups: highly educated individuals who have personally experienced AI-driven productivity gains, and those who don't understand the technology and are struggling to find jobs, yet are bombarded with online "get-rich-quick" schemes.
For quick-learning youth, the interest is largely driven by novelty. For older demographics, especially in small towns or rural areas, AI lacks a clear definition. They might use Doubao or Ali-Afu, or watch AI-generated shorts and special-effects videos on Douyin, but their perception of this isn't fundamentally different from the old belief that downloading WeChat simply meant catching virtual red envelopes.
In my view, the rush to chase new technology is often just an extension of a check-the-box mentality. People assume that once they hit a certain target or pass a specific test, they'll magically be set for life.
It reminds me of studying English for over a decade growing up. In the end, apart from being able to skim news on English-language sites, my practical fluency was close to zero. Fortunately, we have AI now.
One of the most insightful essays I’ve read lately. The author deeply understands everyday life in China and brilliantly explains the real mechanics behind the country's 'AI optimism.' It is a powerful reminder that this systemic anxiety drives so many of our societal issues, with AI adoption being just one reflection of it.
Another classic Zilan banger
super insightful, thank you
Thanks
In reality, it is misleading to assume that a country this large has a unified—or even "mainstream"—view on anything.
The mindset described in the article—essentially FOMO or being left behind—primarily fits two groups: highly educated individuals who have personally experienced AI-driven productivity gains, and those who don't understand the technology and are struggling to find jobs, yet are bombarded with online "get-rich-quick" schemes.
For quick-learning youth, the interest is largely driven by novelty. For older demographics, especially in small towns or rural areas, AI lacks a clear definition. They might use Doubao or Ali-Afu, or watch AI-generated shorts and special-effects videos on Douyin, but their perception of this isn't fundamentally different from the old belief that downloading WeChat simply meant catching virtual red envelopes.
In my view, the rush to chase new technology is often just an extension of a check-the-box mentality. People assume that once they hit a certain target or pass a specific test, they'll magically be set for life.
It reminds me of studying English for over a decade growing up. In the end, apart from being able to skim news on English-language sites, my practical fluency was close to zero. Fortunately, we have AI now.
Lot of truths in this post, much appreciated
Incredible research