Chinese Influencer Dies after Extreme Alcohol Consumption in Live Video

Lesson made on May 28, 2023

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Reading Lesson:

A popular social media star in China, known as Sanqiange, died after drinking lots of strong alcohol during a live video. This happened on China's version of TikTok, an app called Douyin.

Sanqiange was taking part in a type of competition, where he and another influencer tried to compete against each other in wild contests. Sometimes, these contests include punishments for the loser, which in this case was drinking a lot of Baijiu, a Chinese alcohol that can be really strong.

Sanqiange's friend, Zhao, saw part of the video and said that he watched him finish three bottles and start a fourth. A few hours after the game finished, Sanqiange was found dead.

This is causing a lot of discussions in China about whether there should be more rules for what people can and can't do on live-streaming videos. This industry has grown a lot in recent years, with influencers selling products and taking part in wild challenges to get more attention.

Last year, China made new rules to stop kids under 16 from giving money to these influencers and from using the apps late at night. The Chinese government is also working on banning 31 types of bad behavior for people who live-stream, including getting fans to spread rumors or behave badly.

Comprehension Questions:

Speaking and Writing Activities:

- Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
- Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. Have you ever seen or heard of online challenges on social media? Describe what happens in the challenges.

2. Discuss your opinion about regulations for live-streaming videos. What rules do you think would be useful to ensure people's safety?

3. What negative effects can social media and live streaming have on children?

More Reading Practice:

What is Douyin, and is it the same as TikTok?

Douyin is the original app, made in China by a company called ByteDance. This app is designed for people who live in China. Douyin users share a wide range of videos. Some people show off their talents, like dancing or singing. Others share life tips or interesting stories. Because the app is only for China, all the content you see is in Chinese.

TikTok is also made by ByteDance, but it's for people outside of China. So, it's like Douyin's international twin. TikTok is very popular all over the world. People use it to share all sorts of videos, just like Douyin. The main difference is that TikTok has content in many different languages, not just Chinese.

Even though Douyin and TikTok are similar, there's another difference. Each app has slightly different features. A feature is something that the app can do. For example, Douyin has more options for shopping. This means that if you see a cool product in a video, you can buy it directly from the app. On the other hand, TikTok has more ways to discover new videos.

What is Baiju?

Baijiu is a very popular type of alcoholic drink from China. This beverage is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition and culture. The name "Baijiu" translates to "white alcohol" in English. It has a very distinct taste and is one of the strongest liquors in the world. It is often compared to strong spirits like vodka or rum in terms of its alcohol content, usually ranging from 40% to 60%.

Baiju is typically made from grains, such as sorghum, rice, wheat, or corn. These grains go through a process called fermentation, where the grains slowly transform into alcohol.

Once the fermentation is complete, the mixture is distilled, a process where the alcohol is separated from the rest of the mixture. The result is a very potent, clear liquid, which is then aged in containers. The aging process can last anywhere from a few months to many years, and it can influence the flavor of the Baijiu greatly.

When it comes to consuming Baijiu, it's typically served in small glasses and enjoyed without mixing it. It's common to see it at celebrations and important gatherings in China, often accompanied by a toast. Even though it has a strong taste that may take some time to get used to, it is highly appreciated for its cultural significance and its role in social interactions.

Helpful Links:

Photos of Sanqiange drinking

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