Recently, a popular streamer with over 20 million followers faced accusations of academic fraud. The individual claimed to have graduated from Peking University’s Archaeology and Cultural Heritage College on their profile page, but this was quickly denied by alumni from the university. As the controversy escalated, the streamer removed the claim, stating that the information was arbitrarily filled in during the account’s creation and that they had never forged a Peking University diploma or used their affiliation for promotional purposes.
This incident highlights a broader trend: many streamers resort to fabricating various false identities to generate buzz and increase their audience reach. These fabricated labels range from academic claims like “a top graduate from Peking University” to socially relatable identities such as “a down-to-earth sister from the countryside,” or even traumatic personal backgrounds like “overcoming challenges from a difficult family.”
Experts interviewed believe that this practice not only constitutes false advertising but also infringes on consumer rights and disrupts market order. Regulatory bodies are urged to strengthen oversight, particularly over the Multi-Channel Network (MCN) organizations that support these streamers, and to raise awareness of the legal consequences of false labeling among both streamers and platforms. Technical solutions should be employed to identify and address fabricated narratives effectively.
The alarming trend of streamers creating false identities is not isolated. For instance, a short video blogger known as “I’m Just Liang” gained significant attention for sharing a rags-to-riches story, claiming to have transitioned from a technical college to studying abroad in London. He described himself as “a unique student” without needing a bachelor’s degree yet getting into Nova School of Business and Economics in Portugal. However, in April, the school issued a statement denying any connection with him, noting that the admissions criteria would preclude someone without the requisite academic background. Further investigation revealed he had actually received an acceptance letter from a different university in Portugal but struggled with the coursework and instead took English classes in London, fabricating a sensational story to attract views and monetize his content.
Another case involved a gaming streamer who falsely claimed to have graduated from Central South University. Following a scandal involving overcharging customers in his computer assembly shop, he admitted to lying due to personal vanity. Additionally, some streamers invent entire backgrounds to gain followers. A rural lifestyle influencer, for example, faced backlash after it was revealed that she was not genuinely living in a farm setting, misleading followers about the origins of her products.
Streamers like “Xiao Aichi Zhu Ti” have even fabricated personal trauma narratives to enhance their online personas and increase engagement. This individual shared a tearful tale of overcoming struggles from a difficult childhood while consuming cake on camera. However, this portrayal was later exposed as overly scripted and manipulative, designed solely for viewer attraction.
So, where do these false narratives originate? An MCN representative revealed that they provide various scripts to help streamers curate their identities, suggesting methods to exploit emotional stories for quick profit. After joining a group called “Hot Live Streaming Training Camp,” our reporters discovered courses on how to create and promote a false persona, detailing strategies that encourage participants to exaggerate their hardships to attract followers.
Highlighting the need for stricter regulation, an internet marketing expert proposed enhancing content verification to ensure honesty in streaming. He emphasized that repercussions for false claims could potentially include civil fraud or more severe legal consequences.
As the conversation surrounding this issue continues, it’s clear that both streamers and platforms must be held accountable. Experts suggest that platforms should employ technology for real-time content analysis and develop user-friendly reporting mechanisms for viewers to flag suspicious activity.
In conclusion, the recent spate of incidents underscores the urgent need for improved oversight and standards in the realm of online streaming. Streamers must prioritize transparency while platforms need to ensure that false representations are curtailed to foster a trustworthy digital environment.
