Be wary of -Internet celebrity- products coercing young people
Zhong Yi
“Social Media Sensation” Snacks Found to Be “Three No” Products?
Recently, “wax bottles” have gained immense popularity among middle and high school students. However, this rising trend has also uncovered several food safety concerns, with some products even flagged for containing cancer-causing substances. Since September, market regulatory bodies in provinces such as Gansu, Henan, Hubei, and Hunan have initiated special inspections targeting “wax bottles.”
Reflecting on the trajectory of various “social media sensation” snacks, we may recognize a microcosm of fast-food culture. Whether it’s their unique appearance or trendy appeal, these snacks often possess elements that facilitate their rise to fame. Yet, some unscrupulous vendors, in their quest for maximum profit, frequently overlook safety issues. The “wax bottles” exemplify this, boasting vibrant colors, unusual shapes, and a variety of flavors that can easily entice children and spark imitative behavior. Some sellers tout “handmade production” as a selling point, but crucial information such as manufacturers and safety standards often remains absent. A few years back, a shocking incident occurred when “viral” candy was packaged in a manner that parodied contraceptive products. These issues not only pose health risks and hinder the healthy development of the industry but also mislead impressionable young students.
To thrive as a “viral sensation,” one must leverage the internet. Some vendors have engaged in blatant false advertising on third-party platforms, even featuring children in live-streamed sales. Such practices challenge consumer protection laws. The “Regulations on Handling Internet Food Safety Violations” clearly state that online food trading platforms must establish strict systems for reviewing the qualifications of food producers and ensuring the authenticity of food safety information. Additionally, the “Guidelines for Regulating Live Streaming Payments and Strengthening the Protection of Minors” prohibit providing live-streaming services to individuals under 16 years of age. To combat these issues, it’s essential to urge platforms to self-regulate, conduct thorough audits of vendors, and enforce stringent regulations against the sale of substandard products. For those small and concealed workshops, enhanced regulatory measures, potentially involving big data technologies to create a blacklist, could be implemented for dynamic management.
In terms of social networks, the reality is that questionable “viral” snacks often proliferate in convenience stores near schools and spread through children’s social circles. Looking deeper, trends such as “radish knives” and “smoking cards,” along with crude slang becoming “internet slang,” reveal similar psychological drivers and mechanisms of dissemination. Everyone has a social need, and for some adolescents, gaining “social currency” is crucial to feeling a sense of belonging within a group. Some vendors exploit this desire, continually catering to children’s tastes and infiltrating their social circles. Hence, while appropriate interventions are necessary, a multi-faceted approach is essential.
As one psychologist noted, “Although today’s society is rich in material goods, children’s social interactions appear somewhat limited.” Recently, the topic of “children in a community of over a thousand unable to find a peer to play with” sparked significant discussion. As society becomes increasingly atomized, and given that many parents may lack high-quality companionship while overly focusing on academic success, children’s free time becomes overly utilitarian. Over time, this can create an “emotional vacuum,” cultivating resistance. In the context of home-school collaboration, communities could also be engaged to create more collaborative spaces, enriching environments that encourage diverse social interactions and positively guide the development of social skills, thereby enhancing children’s resilience.
Returning to the products themselves, being “viral” does not equate to a free pass on safety standards. Ultimately, becoming a “social media sensation” is a result of rational market choices. If vendors stray from safety protocols and ethical values, no amount of gimmickry can sustain their success.
