Hospitals Are Not a Backdrop for Social Media Vanity
A recent phenomenon in Shanghai has sparked a heated debate on social media, where a maternity hospital has become a hotspot for social media enthusiasts. While some netizens have flocked to the hospital to snap photos in front of its European-style facade and trendy cafe, others have slammed the trend, arguing that hospitals are not "showrooms" for social media influencers.
20 October 2024
Critics contend that the influx of "influencers" has disrupted the hospital's operations and created a disturbance for patients seeking medical attention. As one Weibo user pointed out, "Hospitals are places for treating and caring for patients, not for taking selfies." Another user quipped, "Some people just can't distinguish between a hospital and a tourist attraction." This trend has also been observed in other cities and countries, where social media enthusiasts have disrupted public spaces, highlighting the need for hospitals to strike a balance between accommodating visitors and maintaining a calm atmosphere for patients.
The Shanghai hospital in question has become a magnet for social media enthusiasts, with many flocking to its premises to take photos and share them online. However, this has led to concerns about the hospital's ability to maintain a peaceful and respectful environment for its patients. As one observer noted, "It's not just about Shanghai; other cities and countries have also faced similar issues with social media enthusiasts disrupting public spaces."
The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the need for increased awareness and sensitivity towards the use of social media in various settings. The hashtag "#医院不是网红打卡的秀场#" (Hospitals are not a platform for social media influencers) has been trending on Chinese social media, with many users expressing their disapproval of the trend and advocating for a greater sense of respect and decorum in public spaces. As one user succinctly put it, "Hospitals are for healing and saving lives, not for show."
The public reaction has been swift and severe, with many expressing strong disapproval of the trend of treating hospitals as photo ops for social media. Critics argue that hospitals should be a place of quiet reverence, not a gathering spot for would-be influencers. "I think especially in a special public place like a hospital, it's even more important to maintain a quiet and harmonious atmosphere," said one netizen. Others echoed this sentiment, noting that hospitals are not the only places where excessive photo-taking has become a problem. "One should appreciate beautiful things without disturbing others," another user chimed in.
The state-run People's Daily also weighed in, calling for hospitals to be restored to their intended purpose. "Due to its unique architecture, a Shanghai hospital has become a popular spot for 'netizens' to take photos... However, hospitals are places for healing and treatment, not for 'netizens' to show off... The lack of boundaries has led to photo-taking turning into a disturbance, affecting hospital order and hindering patients from receiving medical treatment. We should strengthen management, dissuade commercial filming, and restore hospitals to their original environment, giving patients the quiet they deserve."
Some have called for hospitals to strengthen their management and security measures to prevent such disruptions, while others have suggested that social media platforms take greater responsibility for regulating content and preventing the spread of "influencer culture" that can be detrimental to public spaces. Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder that hospitals are places of healing and care, not "showrooms" for social media enthusiasts. As one Weibo user aptly put it, "Let's keep hospitals quiet and peaceful, and not turn them into playgrounds for influencers."
A hospital is, by definition, a place where patients seek medical treatment and undergo health check-ups. It is not a platform for social media influencers to flaunt their online presence. The excessive focus on social media check-ins can lead to chaos and disruption, compromising the serenity and order that hospitals strive to maintain. As such, it is essential to strike a balance and manage this issue effectively to ensure that patients can receive medical attention without feeling inconvenienced or distracted.
In an ideal hospital setting, the atmosphere should be tranquil and organized, allowing patients to focus on their recovery and medical professionals to attend to their duties without interruptions. However, the growing trend of treating hospitals as social media hotspots threatens to undermine this delicate balance. By allowing hospitals to become "showrooms" for social media influencers, we risk creating an environment that is inimical to the very purpose of these institutions.
It is crucial, therefore, to reinforce the notion that hospitals are not social media backdrops, but rather places of healing and care. By doing so, we can protect the integrity of these institutions and ensure that patients receive the respect, attention, and care they deserve. By promoting a culture of responsibility and respect, we can prevent hospitals from becoming mere props for social media vanity projects and maintain them as sanctuaries of healing and recovery.