Exposed: China’s Live Streaming Hosts Use Fabricated Stories to Sell Ordinary Food as Miraculous Cures to Elderly Viewers
Mr. Li from Pingyao, Shanxi, discovered that his mother had become obsessed with a certain live streaming platform on her phone. According to Mr. Li, his mother followed several live streamers who were helpful in solving disputes and family conflicts. These streamers appeared very enthusiastic and dedicated in their work.
However, Mr. Li was confused when he found out that his mother not only gave these streamers likes and good reviews but also bought many recommended products from their live streams that claimed to have magical healing effects. Upon investigation, he discovered that these products were merely solid drinks, compressed candy, and other ordinary foods. Mr. Li wondered how these products could cure illnesses.
When Mr. Li tried to explain the true nature of these products to his mother, she simply yelled at him saying that he did not understand. In her eyes, the words of these “sons” on the live stream were more trustworthy than those of her own son.
Similarly, Ms. Yang’s mother from Dalian became addicted to a live stream that dealt with emotional issues, such as mediating family disputes and in-law relationships. Like Mr. Li’s mother, she also purchased products that claimed to have healing properties from the live stream, such as compressed candy, but found that they actually caused her blood sugar to rise the next day.
The program “Xiao Zhang Says” is also very popular among the elderly. In February 2023, during a live stream, the host Xiao Zhang claimed that his own sister and brother-in-law had committed a serious offense. He appeared to be a righteous person, punishing them and sending them to prison. However, his sister-in-law’s mother was dissatisfied and came to Xiao Zhang’s home to cause trouble.
What followed was a series of unbelievable events. The mother-in-law disguised herself as a scrap collector and infiltrated Xiao Zhang’s home, where she tricked Xiao Zhang’s grandfather into giving her a box of recommended products. When Xiao Zhang found out, he desperately tried to get the products back. Then, at a crucial moment, a doctor from a cancer hospital miraculously appeared to help Xiao Zhang. In fact, this was all pre-planned.
As the drama became more and more ridiculous, Xiao Zhang began selling the so-called “miracle drugs” to his fans. Upon investigation, it was discovered that this product was just compressed candy and was only a common food item. The Food Safety Law clearly states that food advertisements cannot involve disease prevention or treatment functions. However, Xiao Zhang presented this ordinary food product as a miracle cure using a ridiculous storyline.
It is unclear whether what was said in these live streams was true or false, and what made the elderly believe it. Journalists could not locate Xiao Zhang from “Xiao Zhang Says,” either through the payment platform or store name. In the live stream, the reporter accidentally found the sign of “Li Ge Supply Chain.”
The journalist managed to contact the manager of Li Ge Supply Chain, who said that the company mainly helped live streamers find suitable products and provide venues. Xiao Zhang and his mentor Hui Ge often live streamed from there.
The company had hundreds of products on its shelves, most of which were compressed candy, solid drinks, and other common foods. The manager admitted that the stories told in the live stream were all made up.
Many live streams that claim to mediate disputes and conflicts in families are actually trying to sell products to the elderly. They use a sympathetic approach to gain the trust of the elderly and sell products at exorbitant prices.
The company HeHe Studio is also engaged in the operation of such live streams. Its employees admitted that the stories told by the hosts were all fake, and everything was pre-scripted.
In summary, the article exposes the fraudulent practices of some live streaming hosts in China who use fabricated stories and emotionally manipulative tactics to sell ordinary food products to elderly viewers who are looking for entertainment and advice. The hosts often claim that these products have miraculous health benefits that can cure diseases, which is a violation of food safety laws in China. The article highlights the case of several popular live streaming hosts who partner with companies to promote these products and earn substantial profits through commissions.
The article also reveals the behind-the-scenes operations of these live streaming companies and their tactics to create realistic scenarios to increase viewer engagement and trust. Despite the risks and harms associated with such practices, many elderly viewers continue to trust these live streaming hosts and purchase their products, highlighting the need for greater consumer protection and regulation in China’s live streaming industry.
