The Chinese government is paying students for positive posts online
University students in China are being recruited by the Chinese government to write pro-government posts, in an extension of the country’s Internet surveillance regime. Students get paid 50 Chinese cents per post, and are expected to write a minimum of three positive comments in response to negative events or opinions per day, according to the BBC.
“To take part in this Internet Civilization, one must uphold a firm/resolute conviction/belief. This resoluteness has its origins in the Party’s firm/sincerest beliefs and stems from a deep love of country and nation,” says a letter from the China Youth Network, posted by Xinhua, China’s government-run news agency, and roughly translated by Fusion.
The letter talks about the responsibility of younger generations toward their country, and says the foreign media has distorted China’s image. The Communist Youth League posted ads at universities over the last few months targeting younger students to be “Youth Internet Civilization Volunteers”.
The China Digital Times said they got their hands on and translated one of these ads. The first duty listed, according to China Digital, is to “Actively spread positive energy on the Internet. Actively participate in ‘Operation Sunshine Comments’ initiated by the CYL Central Committee: post on the Internet with civilized language and a rational attitude and build a rational, calm, and ordered atmosphere of Internet public opinion.”