Houston Community News >> Chinese Use Internet For Emotional Outlet
11/28/2006 by Komfie Manalo—
More and more Chinese are turning to the Internet to release their emotional
baggage such as cursing a mother, insulting a lover and ranting. Posting an
anonymous note on the Web site, "Hate Wall," has now become China's latest
Internet fad.
A report by the state's official Xinhua news agency said that Chinese Web
surfers post all kinds of gripes on the site to get relief from the stresses of
life.
Xiao Xu, a typical poster on "Hate Wall," told the Shanghai Youth Daily that she
feels better after repeatedly plastering a phrase over and over again. She said
she usually writes "yu men," which in English means depressed, on a post-it note
that is then stuck on the animated wall.
Xiao said, "I am addicted to it now. I log on to the website whenever I am
upset, no matter how trivial the cause."
Aside from giving her an outlet for her anxieties, she said the site also gives
her a boost in personality.
"I've begun to use dirty words in daily life, which I've never done before, "
she said.
The report said the "Hate Wall" Web site is one of the many similar sites in
China offering the same service.
Predictably many of the posted notes are full of angry and nasty words. Some are
even directed at people.
Dai Wei, a public relations officer with the Internet Society of China say the
organization does not have the authority nor is it interested in regulating the
portals.
"I hope the Web sites and the netizens show some self discipline," he said. He
warned users against posting nasty notes directed at identifiable individuals
who can sue them for libel or slander.
(Contributed by BizReport)