Image Source: Visual China

BEIJING, March 8 (TMTPOST) — Ke Yunfeng, delegate to China’s top legislature National People’s Congress has called for the establishment of an Internet addiction prevention mechanism for the elder.

“Content on short video platforms is entertaining and very popular. Spending time watching short videos makes users become addicted to it,” Ke said. “In recent years, the older population has also become accustomed to using smartphones and mobile applications. Users of the older generation use smartphones for entertainment, such as listening to audiobooks, playing chess and reading news. Short video platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou have made old people become addicted to them. It is imperative for the state to take action about it.”

Ke stated that being addicted to short video platforms has some negative impacts on the elder. He pointed out that the addiction hurts the elder’s physical health, such as their eyesight, neck, shoulders and lumbar. In addition, Ke said this will lead to greater pressure on local healthcare providers and the public budget.

Statistics from People.com.cn show that common risks for the elder online include false information, false advertising and online scam. It is not uncommon for old users to fall into online scams such as pyramid schemes and other scams.

Ke believes that older users are more vulnerable to risks from technological advancement when compared with young people. Short video platforms make it more convenient for older users to see the world but also increase risks, Ke said.

Ke pointed out that mainstream short video platforms do not have special modes for old users. There is no rule and regulation about how old users can protect themselves or get refunds if they are scammed online, Ke said.

He advocates that short video platforms should develop a special mode for the elder which can help filter content that is suspected of scam for the elder.