Internet Star-Making: The Rise and Reflection on Cyber Clowns

Internet Star-Making: The Rise and Reflection on Cyber ClownsIn the internet age, everyone has the opportunity to become a star. However, some online personalities who have become famous through "abstract" performancesdubbed "cyber clowns"have sparked widespread social controversy

Internet Star-Making: The Rise and Reflection on Cyber Clowns

In the internet age, everyone has the opportunity to become a star. However, some online personalities who have become famous through "abstract" performancesdubbed "cyber clowns"have sparked widespread social controversy. They achieve immense wealth not through talent or hard work, but simply by letting loose online and engaging in unpredictable, often foolish acts. This has prompted deep reflection on the values and social atmosphere of the internet age. Is the success of these "cyber clowns" a coincidental fluke, or does it reflect some underlying social phenomenon? Who is their target audience? What causes these seemingly absurd behaviors to garner such high attention and financial rewards? This article will explore the complexities behind this phenomenon using real-life examples.

Qi'er's "Pig Food" Journey: The Ultimate Curiosity and the Traffic Code

The rise of the internet celebrity "Qi'er" serves as a typical example of the "cyber clown" phenomenon. She is not a beautiful streamer with outstanding looks or special talents, yet she quickly amassed a large following and wealth by accepting extreme punishments during live-stream PKs (player-killer matches). Initially, she promised to eat "pig food" if she lost a PK, which many perceived as a mere stage effect. However, she actually went to a pigpen and scavenged for pig food, shocking countless netizens while also satisfying the curiosity of some, attracting a flood of gifts and attention. She subsequently escalated her actions, resorting to increasingly extreme behaviors kneeling and kowtowing to pigs, submerging herself in a bucket of chili water all for gifts. Although she made money, she severely damaged her health, ultimately leading to her account being banned by the platform and sparking widespread controversy. Qi'er's experience serves as a warning to those attempting to gain popularity through sensationalism, exposing regulatory loopholes and ethical risks within the online environment.

Xiao Agiao's "Giaogiao" Success: The Perfect Combination of Contrast and Traffic

• Xiao Agiao, known as "Giao Ge," is one of the early beneficiaries of the "abstract dividend." He is virtually illiterate, yet he quickly rose to internet fame with the phrase "Yi gei wo li giaogiao" (Give it to me, giaogiao). His performances are simple and crude, deliberately showcasing his clumsy and embarrassing side. Simultaneously, he occasionally delivers motivational speeches, creating a stark contrast that attracts numerous netizens. He successfully leveraged the traffic code, achieving a dramatic turnaround in his fortunes, buying luxury cars and houses, and even appearing on the television program The Rap of China. However, his musical talent is clearly lacking, and his performance on the show was widely criticized. His success relies more on the internet's "curiosity" and fascination with contrast. Xiao Agiao's story highlights the immense power of internet traffic while exposing the questionable character and values of some internet celebrities. After his decline in popularity, he directly solicited donations from fans during livestreams, stating, "If you don't give me money, who's going to pay for my Mercedes-Benz's gas?", completely revealing his exploitation of fans as a cash machine.

Yoshui G's Profanity Performances: The Vicious Cycle of Controversy and Traffic

Yoshui G's rise to fame differs from other "cyber clowns." He doesn't deliberately make himself look ugly but interacts with netizens in an extreme way, readily resorting to profanity and even launching seven-hour verbal attacks on viewers. His behavior is highly controversial yet unexpectedly attracted a large audience and substantial financial returns. This inverse traffic code made him even more extreme, allowing him to attack netizens online without restraint. However, as time went on, negative feedback increased, and his live-stream actions gradually became more restrained. Eventually, Yoshui G transformed himself, focusing on fitness and weight loss, and reinventing himself as a "positive energy streamer." His transformation shows that even "cyber clowns" who become famous through controversy and negative news can change their image after accumulating wealth. Yoshui G's experience both confirms the "cyber clown" phenomenon and reflects on the negative online public opinion. His successful "whitewashing" indirectly proves the power of traffic and the transformative effect of money.

Lh's "Lookalike" Economy: The Online Version of "Looks are Justice"

Lh's rise to fame embodies another form of the "looks are justice" principle in the internet age. He possesses no talent whatsoever, yet he earns massive income through videos and live-stream product promotions simply because he resembles the celebrity Lhn. He even formed a "group" with other lookalike internet celebrities, launching a "debut plan." This phenomenon prompts reflection on the aesthetic standards and business models of the internet age. Lh's success, though seemingly absurd, reveals unique internet business models and people's pursuit of the "star aura."

The Ephemeral Fame and Lasting Impact of Cyber Clowns

While the success of these "cyber clowns" contains elements of chance, it also reflects deeper social issues in the internet age. Their extreme and vulgar acts to gain traffic and wealth constitute a distorted success model that not only harms the healthy development of the online environment but also misleads some, making them believe that simply "letting loose" guarantees success. The success of these "cyber clowns" is often accompanied by controversy and ethical risks, and their period of popularity is extremely short. The rapid pace of online updates quickly replaces them with newer internet celebrities, leading to their swift decline. The wealth they acquire at the cost of their dignity may ultimately be lost due to unhealthy values.

The Responsibility and Regulation of Online Platforms

Online platforms bear an undeniable responsibility for this phenomenon. They need to strengthen the review and regulation of live-stream content, preventing the spread of vulgar and lowbrow content, and maintaining a healthy online environment. Platforms should also guide internet celebrities to establish correct values, avoiding the promotion of "ugly as beautiful" or "evil as fun" sentiments. More importantly, platforms need to invest more resources in developing higher-quality and healthier online content to guide users towards more positive content.

Conclusion: A Rational View of Online Phenomena and the Rebuilding of Values

The emergence of the "cyber clown" phenomenon reminds us that while enjoying the convenience and opportunities offered by the internet, we must also rationally view online phenomena and rebuild healthy values and social atmosphere. The success of internet celebrities should not be built on vulgar performances and sensationalism. We need to work together to create a positive and energetic online environment, allowing more talented and ambitious individuals to succeed on online platforms, rather than letting those who gain attention through "clowning around" dominate. We should consider what the internet age should truly be like and how we can use the power of the internet to create a better society. These questions deserve careful consideration by each of us.

• Note: This article draws information from Sina Entertainment's July 29, 2020 article "Giao Ge will participate in 'The Rap of China' and claims he will win the gold necklace," and the October 19, 2023 article from the 21st Century Business Herald, "Self-reported monthly income of 5 million, ordered a 10 million mansion! Netizens 'suggest investigation'," and other official media news. However, to enhance readability, details may have been embellished. Please read critically and use this information for reference only.

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