The Abrupt Shift in Social Media Attention: From the Da Xiao S Incident to Aaron Yan’s Award Revocation
A sudden shift in the spotlight on Chinese social media platforms, particularly Weibo, has seen the focus on popular television hosts Da Xiao S’ (Dee Hsu and Barbie Hsu) scandal swiftly overtaken by the controversy surrounding Taiwanese actor and singer, Aaron Yan, whose ‘Top Ten Outstanding Young Persons’ award was recently revoked. The unexpected change in social media trends has elicited a myriad of reactions from netizens, with some criticising the seeming manipulation of public attention.
21 June 2023
News of the revocation of Yan’s prestigious accolade first broke when user @賣勾靠杯 posted about it, immediately capturing the attention of the online community. In the absence of details about the reasons for the revocation, the Weibo users embarked on a spirited debate that quickly overshadowed the ongoing discourse surrounding the Hsu sisters, Dee and Barbie, popularly known as Da Xiao S.
@吃荔枝的桃子- suggested that the influence of the Hsu sisters was significant enough to deflect attention away from their scandal, with the spotlight conveniently falling on Yan instead. The user said, “After Da Xiao S, all the attention went to Aaron Yan. The beautiful sisters have disappeared again. The smoking incident just faded away like this? So, Taiwan also has a hot search shield. Aaron Yan successfully saved Da Xiao S, but this is indeed a bit explosive.”
This sentiment was echoed by @平寒月漾A, who critiqued the seemingly selective attention of social media and media coverage. The user wrote, "The same are morally depraved, but Da Xiao S, who have broad connections and strong backing, can gracefully disappear and even get protection from being investigated."
The sudden shift in attention raised questions among some users about the ethics of the entertainment industry, such as @苏易陆 who commented, "I liked Aaron Yan in primary school, Kris Wu in junior high school, Deng Lun and Li Yifeng in high school. Now I dare not be a fan anymore." This sentiment reflects a growing cynicism about celebrities' behaviour off-camera.
However, other users chose to reminisce about Aaron Yan's acting career, like @锦鲤泡p, who recalled his role in the TV series 'KO One'. "I finally remembered, Aaron Yan was originally Ding Xiao Yu in 'KO One'. No wonder he looks so familiar and handsome."
As the discourse evolved, some users remained frustrated at the lack of closure regarding the Da Xiao S scandal. User @妳算哪块小熊饼干 said, "So, the Da Xiao S incident was drowned out like this? They just got off scot-free?"
While the controversy surrounding Yan continues to unfold, it is clear that the shifting attention has sparked significant debate among netizens, reflecting broader concerns about the management of celebrity scandals and public opinion in China's entertainment industry.