Weekend Long Read: Why the Economy Is Key to Calming Online Rage in China

A recent online controversy erupted after young actress Huang Yangdiantian shared a photo wearing earrings worth approximately 2.3 million yuan ($317,000)—over 30 times the annual average salary for urban private sector workers in China. The ostentatious display of wealth drew public ire, especially amidst economic slowdown and heightened sensitivity to inequality. Netizens quickly investigated Huang’s background, alleging her father is a former civil servant—raising suspicions about the family’s wealth—while further claims included violations of the one-child policy and ownership of a 180 million yuan luxury villa by her mother. Despite statements from Huang’s family and her talent agency, the anger led local authorities to open an investigation, exemplifying the challenges officials face in managing public sentiment in today’s economic context [para. 1][para. 2][para. 3][para. 4].

Public scrutiny of such incidents is viewed as legitimate citizen oversight, driven by suspicion over how civil servants' families amass substantial wealth. Authorities face pressure to provide transparent findings, as public trust hinges on this accountability. The spread of similar controversies stems from deeper societal unease regarding unfulfilled promises of “common prosperity” and the policy that “some will get rich first to lead others to prosperity.” Unmet expectations trigger a psychological “IOU run,” akin to a bank run, where netizens’ demands for fairness and accountability escalate into major social debates [para. 5][para. 6][para. 7].

For decades, the ideal of collective progress led by a few prosperous individuals fueled rapid development in China. However, recent economic headwinds and social realities have led to public malaise, as previously reliable levers of mobility—such as higher education and hard work—lose efficacy. Issues like “class solidification” fuel social anxiety and resentment, particularly when public displays of wealth seem to contradict the ideal of shared prosperity. This crisis of trust translates into online outbursts questioning social fairness, with each incident contributing to mounting disillusionment and societal division [para. 8][para. 9][para. 10][para. 11].

As distrust deepens, local governments find themselves in a “Tacitus Trap”—where any government action is viewed negatively. Netizens increasingly rely on central authorities and state media, placing greater burdens on these institutions and potentially reducing governance efficiency. Such “entrustment” from the public does not necessarily facilitate better development outcomes [para. 12]. Addressing these eruptions requires more than piecemeal responses; an understanding of the historical evolution of netizens’ psychology is essential to finding lasting solutions [para. 13].

Ultimately, these online upheavals reflect collective re-examination of the values underlying “common prosperity” and the fairness of wealth distribution. As the income gap widens and conspicuous consumption becomes fodder for public anger, systemic responses are needed to restore trust and address social concerns. Simply firefighting each crisis is unsustainable; strategic, holistic management is necessary to rebuild confidence [para. 14][para. 15].

The article advocates adopting both higher cultural and material standards, including raising national literacy and responding transparently to online opinion crises [para. 16]. Public opinion management, shaped by past propaganda, faces unique challenges: patriotism campaigns have bred both loyalty and antagonism toward outside forces, sometimes leading to counterproductive effects like self-censorship among entrepreneurs or capital flight, ultimately impacting economic development. Rational, long-term management of public opinion is essential for social cohesion and sustainable growth [para. 17][para. 18][para. 19][para. 20][para. 21][para. 22][para. 23].

In addition, continuous economic development, deepened reform and opening-up, and a robust legal framework are vital to mitigating online unrest. Transparent investigation and communication—demonstrated by the ongoing official response to the Huang incident—are fundamental to rebuilding credibility. Welcoming scrutiny and criticism is essential, as constructive interaction with netizens guides healthier social governance [para. 24][para. 25][para. 26][para. 27][para. 28].