Recontextualizing Cultural Exchanges: The Role of WeChat Subscription Account in Shaping Sino-U.S. Digital Migration Discourse

Recontextualizing Cultural Exchanges: The Role of WeChat Subscription Account in Shaping Sino-U.S. Digital Migration Discourse | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Recontextualizing Cultural Exchanges: The Role of WeChat Subscription Account in Shaping Sino-U.S. Digital Migration Discourse Shangzhen ZHU, Hongli Wang This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6663147/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 14 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This paper investigates the role of WeChat subscription accounts in reporting and shaping cross-cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users, particularly during the digital migration of TikTok users to Xiaohongshu due to legal challenges in the United States. The study focuses on the period from January 14 to January 28, 2025, when TikTok faced a potential shutdown and American users began flocking to Xiaohongshu. Using a qualitative analysis of 23 WeChat subscription account articles, the research explores how recontextualization strategies, including deletion, substitution, and addition, are employed to frame Sino-U.S. cultural interactions. The findings indicate that while these accounts effectively disseminate information and reflect political and cultural ideologies, the content tends to be surface-level and emotionally driven, often simplifying the complexities of cross-cultural exchanges. The study highlights the reciprocal relationship between readers and subscription accounts, where content is tailored to meet audience preferences, reinforcing narratives of cultural superiority and emotional appeal. In conclusion, while WeChat subscription accounts play a crucial role in shaping discourse, their focus on entertainment and reader engagement limits the depth and diversity needed to fully explore the implications of international cultural interactions. Social science/Language and linguistics Humanities/Cultural and media studies WeChat subscription accounts Sino-American cultural exchange Xiaohongshu TikTok ban digital migration recontextualization Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Introduction In January 2025, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold a federal law blocking TikTok unless ByteDance sold the app, concerns about the future of the platform intensified. As a result, many American users began searching for alternatives, with a notable shift towards Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), a widely popular Chinese social media platform. By January 14, Xiaohongshu had rapidly ascended to the top of Apple's U.S. App Store rankings, maintaining its position as the number one downloaded app on both iOS and Android platforms by January 17 (Cheung, Jiang, & Tayir, 2025 ; Fu & Cohen, 2025 ). This digital migration, often dubbed the movement of "TikTok refugees," highlights the evolving dynamics of social media usage and the potential shifts in cultural exchange across platforms. In this context, WeChat subscription accounts have emerged as a pivotal medium for disseminating social ideologies and constructing discourse within China. With a user base of 1.382 billion monthly active accounts as of September 2024 (Tencent, 2024 ), WeChat offers a unique platform for both official and private entities to influence public perceptions, particularly in the arena of cross-cultural communication. As a significant information dissemination tool, WeChat subscription accounts have become critical sites for the transmission of social ideologies, especially in the context of interactions between Chinese and American users on platforms like Xiaohongshu. The People’s Daily (Su, 2025 ) emphasizes China's stance in supporting such cultural exchanges, viewing the interaction between American "TikTok refugees" and Chinese users as a way to foster mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral ties. The digital migration of TikTok users has sparked broad societal interest, which is further reflected in the media landscape. In particular, WeChat subscription accounts contribute to reporting such social events, showcasing their unique role in shaping public discourse. These accounts are characterized by their timely coverage, often offering near real-time reflections of significant social events. Furthermore, both private and official accounts provide diverse representations of social ideologies and cultural attitudes. The social sharing features embedded in WeChat amplify this discourse, enabling content to reach vast audiences as users circulate articles within their personal networks, significantly influencing the formation of social ideologies and cultural perceptions. Against this backdrop, this paper investigates how WeChat subscription accounts employ recontextualization strategies in reporting cross-cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users on Xiaohongshu. It explores how these strategies are used to reflect social ideologies and cultural attitudes within the mediated context of social media. Specifically, this research seeks to answer two key questions: How do WeChat subscription accounts employ recontextualization strategies to report and present the cross-cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users on Xiaohongshu? What social ideologies and cultural attitudes are reflected in these recontextualization strategies, considering the unique role and features of WeChat subscription accounts? By addressing these questions, this paper aims to uncover how WeChat subscription accounts serve as influential tools for reporting social events in the digital age and how these platforms reflect emerging social ideologies in cross-cultural interactions. The Impact of TikTok's Legal Challenges on User Migration to Xiaohongshu: A Timeline of Events and Trends TikTok has faced a series of challenges since 2019, including a $ 5.7 million fine by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for illegally collecting data from minors, and an executive order by President Trump in August 2020 requiring ByteDance to sell its U.S. TikTok business due to national security concerns (Pham, 2019 ; Kolodny, 2020 ). From 2021 to 2023, TikTok's privacy issues escalated with allegations of data sharing with China, tracking users, and internal leaks showing Chinese employees accessing U.S. data. In 2022, the U.S. banned TikTok on federal devices, and further concerns arose in 2023 regarding LGBTQ + user tracking and storing financial data in China. In response to the ban, TikTok issued a statement on April 25, 2024, denouncing the move as unconstitutional and pledging to protect U.S. user data, emphasizing the harm the ban would cause to businesses and Americans (TikTok, 2024 ). On December 13, 2024, the DC Circuit Court denied TikTok's request to pause the ban, setting the stage for the Supreme Court to decide the app’s fate (Bacon, 2024 ). On January 10, 2025, during the Supreme Court hearing, it was confirmed that TikTok would shut down on January 19, 2025, if the law was upheld (Tenbarge, 2025 ). As the ban loomed, many U.S. users flocked to Xiaohongshu, making it the most downloaded app in the U.S., driven by those seeking an alternative to TikTok (Soo, 2025 ). On January 16, 2025, Xiaohongshu gained nearly 3 million new users in a single day, bringing its daily active users to 3.4 million (Paul, 2025 ). On January 18, 2025, TikTok went offline ahead of the ban, as required by the divest-or-ban law (Pellish & Stelter, 2025 ). However, just hours before the Supreme Court ruling was set to take effect, TikTok began restoring service on January 19, 2025, following President-elect Trump’s executive order to pause the ban (Yilek, 2025 ). Finally, on January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order suspending the ban for 75 days, providing temporary relief (Ho, 2025 ). TikTok was quickly restored, and users were greeted with a notification thanking them for their patience and attributing the app’s return to Trump’s efforts (Duffy & Goldman, 2025 ). To explore the topic's popularity on WeChat, I used the "WeChat Index" mini-program to generate trend data, with the search terms "中美" (China and the U.S.), "小红书" (Xiaohongshu), and "抖音难民" (Tiktok Refugees). The WeChat Index chart shows how the popularity of keywords changes over time, with heat data from various channels such as Search, Video Accounts, Live Streaming, WeChat subscription account, Web Pages, and some advertising affecting the index. The calculation mainly considers the popularity of content related to the keywords and the importance of those keywords within the content. As shown on the right side of Fig. 1 , the trend for "中美" (China and the United States) demonstrates relatively stable interest, with a slight increase around January 18th, reflecting ongoing attention to China-U.S. relations. Meanwhile, "小红书" (Xiaohongshu) experienced a significant surge from January 12th to 15th, driven by popular content on the platform. Both of these keywords saw an increase starting on January 14th, and the keyword "小红书" peaked on January 16th. On the other hand, the trend for "抖音难民" (Tiktok Refugees) started at 0 on January 13th, with a heat index of 79,046 on January 14th. On January 16th, the topic's heat index surged dramatically, reaching 707,238, and then gradually decreased over the next few days. Based on the above, this research outlines the timeline for Tiktok ban in January 2025, highlighting the key research period from January 14, 2025, to January 28, 2025(Fig. 2 ). This period covers important political events related to Tiktok in January 2025, which are the driving forces behind Tiktok users shifting to Xiaohongshu, providing social practice and content material for the creation of WeChat subscription accounts. Additionally, it encompasses the initial, peak, and subsequent content creation and popularity on WeChat during this time, offering a comprehensive view of the research subject. Recontextualization and Critical Discourse Analysis(CDA) Recontextualizing specific terms, viewpoints, or facts results in semantic changes because the context changes. As a result, the way of interpreting the same discourse and the intertextual dependencies it relies on also vary, and the transferred elements acquire new meanings. Van Dijk ( 2008b ) defines discourse as the re-contextualization of practical activities, i.e., “material events and social practices occurring in the material world are reshaped and expressed in discourse or conversation” (Törnberg & Törnberg, 2016 , p. 408). Recontextualization, as a core concept in critical discourse analysis, further reveals the process of meaning transformation within texts. Hutcheon ( 1989 ) argues that recontextualization is an appropriation of existing representations, where elements from old contexts are transferred into new contexts, thereby acquiring new meanings. van Leeuwen and Wodak ( 1999 ) propose that recontextualization inevitably leads to shifts in meaning, and they identify four common strategies for such transformations: deletion, rearrangement, substitution, and addition. Van Leeuwen and Wodak ( 1999 ) particularly emphasize the roles of rearrangement and substitution, where rearrangement involves changing the order of elements to reconstruct the representation of social practices, while substitution alters the representation of elements in discourse. van Leeuwen ( 2008a ) points out that recontextualization involves extracting elements from actual social practices and reconstructing them based on new contexts. Van Leeuwen ( 2008a : 143–144) identifies three key transformations in the analysis of multimodal intertextuality: deletion, substitution, and addition. Deletion refers to omitting certain elements of a social practice in a specific context to meet the analytical needs; substitution involves transforming social practice elements into discourse representations, such as converting individualized actions into generalized types; and addition introduces new reactions and motivations, expanding the semantic framework of the social practice. These strategies—deletion, substitution, and addition—serve to modify the representation of social practices, allowing them to adapt to new discursive contexts and providing insight into the recontextualization processes within discourse. This concept aligns with Thibault’s ( 1991 : 130) view that meaning is not simply inherent in discourse, but is generated and transformed through various intertextual relationships in specific social and historical contexts. Recontextualization not only reveals the process of discourse generation but also highlights the role of the social context in shaping discourse meaning. Recontextualization has been widely used in discourse analysis to understand how meanings are shifted, transformed, or reframed across different contexts. It involves the adaptation or reinterpretation of texts and practices from one context to another, often resulting in changes in their meaning. Several studies have explored how this concept applies to various discursive practices, from media to legal discourse, education, and even public health settings. In Media Discourse Recontextualization in media involves adapting concepts and narratives to fit different cultural or national contexts. For example, the concept of "One Country, Two Systems" is framed differently in Chinese, American, and British media, reflecting their respective national perspectives (Liu et al., 2021 ). Similarly, in China, online grassroots discourse recontextualizes revolutionary ideologies to address modern issues with emotional appeal and class-based strategies (Liu et al., 2016 ). Media texts are also shaped by historical contexts, where they are reinterpreted over time (Wu et al., 2016 ). When private communications, such as text messages, are made public, they undergo transformations to fit the public narrative (Pfurtscheller & Daniel, 2022 ). In education, recontextualization affects how knowledge is transmitted in curricula, with forms such as canonization or commodification influencing the content (Dickens & Siobhan, 2021 ). In legal discourse, it adapts legal principles to shape specific interpretations, as seen in the excited utterance exception in hearsay law (Andrus & Jennifer, 2011 ). Recontextualization in translation involves adapting texts to the cultural and ideological contexts of the target language. This includes multimodal shifts, such as the transformation of ISIS news for different audiences (Altahmazi & Thulfiqar, 2020), or the strategic recontextualization of news headlines in Korea (Seo, 2015 ). In public health, recontextualization adapts health policies and narratives to fit shifting social and political contexts, balancing stability with change (Cox et al., 2010). Recontextualization in media involves adapting concepts and narratives to fit different cultural or national contexts. For example, the concept of "One Country, Two Systems" is framed differently in Chinese, American, and British media, reflecting their respective national perspectives (Liu et al., 2021 ). Similarly, in China, online grassroots discourse recontextualizes revolutionary ideologies to address modern issues with emotional appeal and class-based strategies (Liu et al., 2016 ). Media texts are also shaped by historical contexts, where they are reinterpreted over time (Wu et al., 2016 ). When private communications, such as text messages, are made public, they undergo transformations to fit the public narrative (Pfurtscheller & Daniel, 2022 ). In education, recontextualization affects how knowledge is transmitted in curricula, with forms such as canonization or commodification influencing the content (Dickens & Siobhan, 2021 ). In legal discourse, it adapts legal principles to shape specific interpretations, as seen in the excited utterance exception in hearsay law (Andrus & Jennifer, 2011 ). Recontextualization in translation involves adapting texts to the cultural and ideological contexts of the target language. This includes multimodal shifts, such as the transformation of ISIS news for different audiences (Altahmazi & Thulfiqar, 2020), or the strategic recontextualization of news headlines in Korea (Seo, 2015 ). In public health, recontextualization adapts health policies and narratives to fit shifting social and political contexts, balancing stability with change (Cox et al., 2010). The integration of recontextualization and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) with WeChat subscription articles is particularly relevant in examining how media platforms engage in the transformation of content across cultural and political contexts. As discussed, recontextualization involves adapting content to fit specific social, cultural, or political environments, and WeChat subscription accounts are a key player in this process. These articles represent not just a reproduction of ideas but a reworking of those ideas to align with the platform's audience and the broader cultural narratives. In the case of Chinese and American interactions on platforms like Xiaohongshu, the content is not merely translated or relayed but transformed to resonate with both audiences' expectations, ideologies, and sensitivities. By applying recontextualization strategies such as deletion, substitution, and addition, these articles significantly reshape the political, cultural, and social implications of the content they present. This dynamic process reflects how WeChat subscription accounts, through the selective alteration of content, play a crucial role in navigating cross-cultural exchanges while maintaining political and cultural narratives that align with specific agendas. Therefore, Recontextualization in WeChat articles is not only a linguistic process but a semiotic one, shaping how social events are represented and understood. The articles’ symbolic power influences public perceptions, allowing for the continuous transformation of social ideologies and cultural attitudes. By analyzing these strategies, we can better understand how WeChat subscription accounts mediate cross-cultural discourse and contribute to shaping emerging narratives around social identity and global communication. Methodology Step 1: Data Collection and Selection The data collection period is set from January 14, 2025, to January 28, 2025, covering a total of 14 days. This specific time frame ensures a focused analysis of WeChat subscription account articles that address the cross-cultural interaction between China and the United States, particularly during a period of heightened discussion. To gather relevant data, the keywords “Xiaohongshu” and “China-US” were used to search for articles on WeChat public accounts. This targeted search approach helps to identify articles directly related to the theme of cross-cultural interactions and the role of Xiaohongshu in the broader context of Sino-U.S. relations. Moreover, this study filters articles based on their readership: only those with a reading volume exceeding 50,000 are included. These articles were chosen because they represent popular and influential discourses on the topics of "Xiaohongshu" and the ongoing cultural exchange between China and the U.S. The reading volume threshold ensures that the selected articles are well-received by readers. Step 2: Data Coding and Analysis The selected articles will be saved as PDF files and imported into NVivo for qualitative analysis, focusing on coding and categorizing textual data. NVivo’s capabilities will facilitate the identification and examination of intertextual strategies used in WeChat public account articles. A coding framework will be established, incorporating categories such as Categories of Source and three recontextualization strategies: Deletion, Substitution, and Addition. This framework will help analyze how different strategies create textual connections and reshape social reality through recontextualization techniques. The analysis will involve identifying and marking recontextualization strategies within the selected articles, followed by an examination of their functional roles and discursive purposes. By adopting this systematic approach, the study aims to uncover how these strategies influence cross-cultural communication, particularly in shaping social ideologies within the context of China-U.S. interactions. Data and analysis As shown in Appendix I, the research objects consist of 23 WeChat subscription account articles, each with a significant readership, published between January 14, 2025, and January 28, 2025. The titles of these articles revolve around the theme of "interaction between Chinese and American netizens," with high-frequency terms including "Chinese and American netizens," "account reconciliation," "awakening," "Xiaohongshu," and "America," reflecting the phenomenon of cultural or political exchanges between the two countries' netizens on the Xiaohongshu platform. Many titles also carry obvious political metaphors, such as "anti-China propaganda backfires," "Washington pressure," and "Jewish capital," implying ideological conflicts between China and the U.S. Furthermore, several articles emphasize the "explosive popularity" and "occupation" of Xiaohongshu, with some titles mentioning the user migration phenomenon following TikTok's ban, such as "TikTok refugees." The language style of the titles is generally emotional, using colloquial terms like "laughing to death," "crazy," and "belief collapse" to attract readers, while reinforcing opposition and drama through conflict-driven narratives such as "counterattacking the U.S. government," "toxic schemes," and "mocking." Regarding the publication timeline, the articles are mainly concentrated between January 15 and 17, 2025, with January 17 seeing the highest volume of posts, reaching seven articles, including contributions from authoritative media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency and CCTV News. January 15 marked the earliest outbreak, with four articles published on that day, the first of which was released at 14:19 ("Xiaohongshu Occupied by U.S. TikTok Refugees"). Articles continued to be published sporadically from January 18 to 22, but the attention gradually waned. In terms of publication timing, official media (e.g., CCTV News, Zhejiang Publicity) tends to publish articles in the morning (7:00–9:00), while private accounts (e.g., Guancha Syndicate, Sheng Chan Team) often post in the evening (20:00–23:59), with their titles being more controversial. The publishers fall into three main categories: official media, private/company accounts, and local propaganda accounts. Official media accounts make up about 30%, including Xinhua News Agency, CCTV News, and Global Times, with a neutral title style focused on factual reporting, such as Xinhua’s "Xiaohongshu Is Getting Popular in the U.S." and CCTV News's "American Netizens Flood Xiaohongshu...". Private/company accounts represent about 65%, with platforms like Guancha Syndicate, Hu Xijin’s observations, and Sheng Chan Team, whose titles are more emotional and controversial, such as Guancha Syndicate's "Americans Are Awakening..." and Sheng Chan Team’s "Jewish Capital's Sky Has Collapsed!" Local propaganda accounts, such as Zhejiang Propaganda, tend to have a more restrained title style, often using metaphorical questions, such as "Why did a 'reconciliation' lead to an 'awakening'?" In terms of discourse strategies, official media promote narratives through authoritative endorsements, while private accounts rely on emotional titles to capture traffic. The focus of the discourse centers on the grassroots interaction between Chinese and American netizens, which is framed as a symbol of "awakening" and "anti-hegemony," with Xiaohongshu becoming a virtual battleground for cross-cultural conflict. Over time, the topic evolved from "Chinese and American netizens reconciling" on January 15 to new issues such as "U.S. government’s intent to ban Xiaohongshu," reflecting the continuity and complexity of the public opinion battle. Deletion - Emphasis on Cultural Exchange and Political Factors Firstly, it is important to clarify the role of the “deletion” strategy in the construction of social discourse. Van Leeuwen and Wodak ( 1999 ) argue that “deletion” is not merely the omission of information but a form of selective representation that shapes the framework and ideology of the reported content. By selectively presenting certain topics and ignoring others, the report directs the readers' attention to specific issues. In the reports of WeChat public accounts, the frequent appearance of themes such as “current exchange situation” and “mention of politics” alongside the low frequency of “personal feelings” and “related impacts,” exemplifies this strategy. These reports do not focus on individual experiences but instead concentrate on political-level analysis. This aligns with Van Leeuwen and Wodak’s view—by “deleting” certain aspects, the report constructs a narrative framework that predominantly focuses on the macro perspective, with a political inclination. As shown in Table 1 , the frequency of topics in the WeChat subscription account articles reveal the focal points of the coverage. The themes of “current exchange situation” and “mention of politics” appeared 14 times, suggesting that WeChat public accounts place significant emphasis on the present state of interaction and the political context of communication between China and the United States. The emphasis on the “current state of communication” likely aims to present a positive or immediate view of Sino-US exchanges, rather than delving into their long-term social or cultural impacts. In contrast, the theme of “reconciliation (对账)” appeared 11 times, indicating that the articles focus on online confrontations and conflicts, especially in discussions about cultural comparisons and the cost of living. However, the themes of “personal feelings” and “related impacts” occurred less frequently, only 3 times and 2 times, respectively, suggesting that the reports concentrate more on macro-level analysis and less on individual emotional and societal impacts. Finally, the theme of “Sino-US relations” appeared only once, indicating that the overall state of Sino-US relations was not deeply examined in most reports. WeChat articles on Sino-US exchanges tend to emphasize the current state of cultural exchange and political factors while minimizing personal feelings and long-term socio-cultural impacts. This selective approach is driven by the need for broad audience appeal. Macro-level issues such as the state of communication and political background align with national interests and security, resonating with the audience and provoking emotional reactions. In contrast, micro-level topics like personal emotions or social impacts are less likely to capture attention without detailed emotional narratives or socio-cultural analysis. Furthermore, many WeChat subscription accounts, particularly personal ones, lack expertise in political analysis or international relations, leading to a focus on more general themes. As a result, the articles often provide a narrow view, emphasizing the political aspects of Sino-US exchanges without exploring the complexities of bilateral relations or individual experiences. The frequent mention of political background highlights the integration of cultural exchange with international politics. However, this framework often overly simplifies the relationship, focusing on specific events (e.g., TikTok regulation) and neglecting a broader historical or macro-level understanding of Sino-US relations. This suggests that the reporting offers a politicized narrative, portraying cultural exchanges as shaped by political dynamics while failing to explore the deeper cultural differences and mutual influences at play. In summary, WeChat articles adopt a selective reporting strategy that emphasizes political contexts and the current state of cultural exchange, while sidelining personal experiences and long-term impacts. This approach not only directs readers' attention to specific issues but also reinforces a political interpretation of Sino-US exchanges. However, by downplaying cultural diversity and individual perspectives, this framework oversimplifies the complexity of cross-cultural interactions, offering a more unified, politically-driven narrative. Table 1 Frequency of Topics Mentioned in Selected Articles Discussed Topics Mentioned Count Current Exchange Situation 14 Mention of Politics 14 Reconciliation(对账) 11 Personal Feelings 3 Related Impacts 2 Sino-US Relations 1 Substitution - Integration of Chinese Culture and Metaphorical Constructs Substitution refers to the transformation of real-world social practice elements into discourse elements, which can be carried out in various ways. As van Leeuwen and Wodak ( 1999 : 97) point out, even in the case of verbal representations, what is represented and what represents it will never be identical. This process primarily involves two substitution mechanisms: abstraction and generalization. For instance, participants can be represented either as specific individuals or as types of groups, using either abstract or concrete terms. Table 2 highlights the distinction between how TikTok users self-identify and how they are represented in WeChat subscription articles, focusing on the abstract strategies employed and the discourse effects that arise. The first column lists the self-identification term used by TikTok users themselves, namely "TikTok refugees" (抖音难民). In contrast, the second column reveals how they are described in WeChat articles, using terms like "American netizens" (美国网友), "American TikTok users" (美国抖音用户), "American Tiezi" (美国铁子), and "Western common people" (西方老百姓). These representations employ strategies such as regional generalization and cultural fusion. By using these strategies, the articles transform the specific identity of TikTok users into a broader characterization of a regional group, thereby diluting the political connotations associated with the term "TikTok refugees." For instance, terms like "美国网友" (American netizens) and "美国抖音用户" (American TikTok users) generalize the group’s behavior, fitting it into the established narrative of East-West regional differences. This helps neutralize the political impact of the original self-identified label. Additionally, the term "美国铁子" (American Tiezi), which incorporates the northeastern dialect term "laotie" (老铁, meaning close friend), introduces a sense of familiarity and closeness, bridging cultural and relational gaps between the articles and their readers. The use of "American Tiezi" fosters intimacy, which contrasts with the more distant and politically charged term "TikTok refugees.". Netizens' Self-Identification Public Account Representation Abstract Strategy Discourse Effect TikTok Refugees 美国网友American Netizens Regional Generalization Erasing Identity Politics 美国抖音用户American TikTok Users 美国铁子American Tiezi Cultural Fusion Reducing the Sense of Distance 西方老百姓Western common people Table 2 : Self-Identification vs. Representation in WeChat Subscription Articles: Abstract Strategies and Discourse Effects As shown in Table 3 , generalization terms were used to describe and generalize the communication behaviors, such as "亿洋迁徙" (Billion Migration), "对账" (Reconciliation), "世纪大对账" (Century-long Reconciliation), "早C晚A" (Early C, Late A), and "洋悟运动" (Western Enlightenment Movement). The meaning breakdown, cognitive framework shifts, and ideological functions of these terms are as shown in the table. Among them, "对账" and "洋务运动" are particularly noteworthy. The term Reconciliation "对账" is metaphorical. Originally, Reconciliation "对账" referred to the professional practice of reconciling accounts in business to ensure consistency in financial data, emphasizing precision and systematization. However, in this context, the behavior of comparing prices, incomes, and other data to calculate living costs among Chinese and American netizens mirrors the characteristics of accounting reconciliation: data-driven, relying on specific figures (such as commodity prices and price-to-income ratios); itemized comparisons (food, housing, education expenses); and result-oriented, attempting to conclude which country offers a more affordable lifestyle. This includes two main metaphorical logics, as shown in the Table 4 . First, Economic Rationality. This dimension borrows the authority of accounting terminology. By invoking accounting terms, the comparison behavior of the netizens is given the appearance of being "scientifically objective," making it seem like their actions are based on rigorous calculation and evaluation, which enhances the credibility and authority of the discourse. Second, Counter-Narrative. This dimension implicitly carries the "accounting-clearing" logic. It transforms the differences between cultures and societies into quantifiable "accounts" and further clears these differences, turning them into a quantitative proof of cultural superiority or inferiority. This approach shifts cross-cultural differences from subjective feelings to objective data comparisons, thereby reinforcing a dichotomous cultural framework. The term "洋悟运动" is a modified version of "洋务运动" (Self-Strengthening Movement). The Self-Strengthening Movement (1861–1895) was an attempt by the Qing Dynasty to modernize by adopting Western techniques, whereas "洋悟运动" (Western Enlightenment Movement) combines "洋" (Westerners) with "悟" (enlightenment through understanding) and "运动" (movement), creating a new narrative that challenges Western centrism. As evidenced by numerous reports from WeChat subscription accounts, through the so-called reconciliation, many American netizens discovered that the cost of living in the U.S. is relatively high (Example1-3). The term "洋悟运动" (Western Enlightenment Movement) carries connotations of cultural reflection and awakening, highlighting a shift in understanding and awareness through recognizing the differences between Eastern and Western cultures or lifestyles. In this context, "洋悟运动" (Western Enlightenment Movement) signifies an awakening triggered by cross-cultural exchanges, particularly through interactions on internet platforms, prompting netizens from China and the U.S. to reflect on the disparities in living costs and social welfare. The awakening here refers to Americans realizing that their position is not as superior as they once believed. 两边一对账, 美国年轻人发现, 原来自己才是被骗的那一波人。After the reconciliation, American youth realized that they were the ones being deceived. 小红书对账后, 美国人的信仰崩了。After Xiaohongshu reconciliation, Americans' beliefs shattered. 笑死!中美网民开始在小红书对账了, 结果两边都震惊了。Laughing out loud! Chinese and American netizens started reconciling on Xiaohongshu, and both sides were shocked. Table 3 Generalization Terms in WeChat Articles and Their Symbol Breakdown, Cognitive Framework Shift, and Ideological Function Term Symbol Breakdown Cognitive Framework Shift Ideological Function 亿洋迁徙Billion Foreigners Migration Billion (exaggeration of quantity) + Foreigners (cross-cultural) + Migration (biological metaphor) User migration → Migratory birds / Great voyage adventure Naturalizes the political and capital-driven data flow as biological activity 对账Account Reconciliation Accounting term (economic auditing) Comparing information disparities between countries → Financial and accounting review Establishes relationships in accounting audits, suggesting the settlement of cultural information inequalities 世纪大对账Century-long Account Reconciliation Account reconciliation + Century (grand temporal scale) Comparing information disparities between countries → Ultimate judgment in accounting audits Strengthens the historical significance of new cultural inequalities being settled 早C晚AEarly C, Late A C = China, A = America (political coding) Skincare routine / Lifestyle → The inclusion of U.S. users changes how Xiaohongshu is used: daytime is Chinese, nighttime is American Emphasizes the blending of cultural identities and the merging of distinct cultural perspectives based on time 洋悟运动Western Enlightenment Movement Western (Western symbols) + Enlightenment (Eastern wisdom) User behavior → New civilization awakening movement Uses historical discourse to create the idea of enlightenment in the digital age Table 4 Metaphorical Functions in Cultural Exchange Discourse Metaphorical Dimension Specific Manifestation Functional Analysis Economic Rationality Borrowing the authority of accounting terminology Provides the illusion of "scientific objectivity" to everyday comparative actions Counter-Narrative Implicit "Accounting-Clearing" logic Transforms life differences into a quantified proof of cultural superiority and inferiority Addition - Incorporation of Profound Socio-Political Motives Van Leeuwen ( 2009 ) argues that Addition refers to the incorporation of reactions and motives in the representation of social practices. Reactions are the psychological processes that accompany specific actions, such as how actors feel about or interpret certain actions. These reactions can vary across different discourses. Motives can be divided into purpose and legitimization. Purpose refers to the reasons for carrying out a specific action, while legitimization provides the justification for why certain practices are performed, often expressed through "moral evaluation," which helps legitimize the actions. Through these additions, discourse not only describes the concrete elements of social practices but also ascribes specific reactions and motives to these behaviors, constructing a more comprehensive narrative framework. WeChat subscription accounts strategically employ the Addition strategy when reporting on Sino-US cross-cultural exchanges, effectively integrating reactions and motives. These reactions and motives not only legitimize the actions of users but also frame them within cultural and political contexts, revealing the social ideologies underlying these actions. For example, by emphasizing American users' "rebellious mentality" and their interpretation of Chinese policies, while also introducing issues such as healthcare differences and information barriers, the reports uncover deeper cultural and political motivations. This re-contextualization and legitimization strategy helps construct a specific narrative about Sino-US cultural exchanges, reflecting the political and social context of cross-cultural communication and highlighting the underlying cultural and ideological conflicts. Firstly, in Example 4, the report discusses the US ban on TikTok and American users' decision to turn to Xiaohongshu. The report applies the legitimization strategy by rationalizing this choice as a response to US government policies. It emphasizes the "rebellious mentality" of American users, framing their decision not only as a reaction to the ban but also as dissatisfaction with the US political environment. Through this presentation, the WeChat subscription account integrates cross-cultural exchange with the political context, making the motivations and reactions more complex and underscoring the role of political factors in cross-cultural exchanges. Next, Example 5 elaborates on the motives behind American young people's choice of Xiaohongshu by discussing their disdain for "Jewish capital" and tech giants like Meta and Elon Musk. In this segment, the article similarly uses the legitimization strategy by portraying the rejection of Meta's platforms as a critique of the current social order in the US. By accusing "Jewish capital" and "Musk," the article strengthens the ideological framework of cultural confrontation. This strategy positions the choice of Xiaohongshu as not just a preference for a technological platform but as a form of resistance against the existing economic and political power structures, deeply reflecting the complex socio-political attitudes underlying cross-cultural communication. In Example 6, the article addresses misconceptions about China's "Great Firewall" and clarifies that the "wall" does not block all cross-border information but regulates foreign websites that do not comply with Chinese law. This explanation not only responds to questions about how foreigners can freely use Xiaohongshu without being restricted by the wall, but also legitimizes China's internet policies, emphasizing their legality and necessity. Through this interpretation, the article underscores the legitimacy of China's actions and clarifies its policies regarding information exchange. Finally, Example 7 compares the healthcare systems of China and the US to further links the flaws in the US healthcare system with China's affordable healthcare costs, legitimizing the "rebellious behavior" of American youth as a natural reaction to dissatisfaction with the US social system. This legitimization strategy frames the choice of Xiaohongshu not merely as a cultural or technological preference but as an expression of deeper dissatisfaction with systemic inequalities in the US. In conclusion, WeChat subscription accounts employ the Addition strategy to construct a narrative that not only describes the behaviors and actions of users in the context of Sino-US cross-cultural exchanges but also provides a framework of motives and reactions that legitimize these behaviors. These reports frame cross-cultural exchange through political and cultural lenses, using re-contextualization and legitimization to create a narrative that highlights political dissatisfaction, cultural confrontation, and ideological conflict. This approach deepens the understanding of Sino-US exchanges, illustrating how personal actions are not only shaped by individual preferences but are also embedded in broader cultural, political, and social contexts. Addition - Incorporation of Profound Socio-Political Motives Van Leeuwen ( 2009 ) argues that Addition refers to the incorporation of reactions and motives in the representation of social practices. Reactions are the psychological processes that accompany specific actions, such as how actors feel about or interpret certain actions. These reactions can vary across different discourses. Motives can be divided into purpose and legitimization. Purpose refers to the reasons for carrying out a specific action, while legitimization provides the justification for why certain practices are performed, often expressed through "moral evaluation," which helps legitimize the actions. Through these additions, discourse not only describes the concrete elements of social practices but also ascribes specific reactions and motives to these behaviors, constructing a more comprehensive narrative framework. WeChat subscription accounts strategically employ the Addition strategy when reporting on Sino-US cross-cultural exchanges, effectively integrating reactions and motives. These reactions and motives not only legitimize the actions of users but also frame them within cultural and political contexts, revealing the social ideologies underlying these actions. For example, by emphasizing American users' "rebellious mentality" and their interpretation of Chinese policies, while also introducing issues such as healthcare differences and information barriers, the reports uncover deeper cultural and political motivations. This re-contextualization and legitimization strategy helps construct a specific narrative about Sino-US cultural exchanges, reflecting the political and social context of cross-cultural communication and highlighting the underlying cultural and ideological conflicts. Firstly, in Example 4, the report discusses the US ban on TikTok and American users' decision to turn to Xiaohongshu. The report applies the legitimization strategy by rationalizing this choice as a response to US government policies. It emphasizes the "rebellious mentality" of American users, framing their decision not only as a reaction to the ban but also as dissatisfaction with the US political environment. Through this presentation, the WeChat subscription account integrates cross-cultural exchange with the political context, making the motivations and reactions more complex and underscoring the role of political factors in cross-cultural exchanges. Next, Example 5 elaborates on the motives behind American young people's choice of Xiaohongshu by discussing their disdain for "Jewish capital" and tech giants like Meta and Elon Musk. In this segment, the article similarly uses the legitimization strategy by portraying the rejection of Meta's platforms as a critique of the current social order in the US. By accusing "Jewish capital" and "Musk," the article strengthens the ideological framework of cultural confrontation. This strategy positions the choice of Xiaohongshu as not just a preference for a technological platform but as a form of resistance against the existing economic and political power structures, deeply reflecting the complex socio-political attitudes underlying cross-cultural communication. In Example 6, the article addresses misconceptions about China's "Great Firewall" and clarifies that the "wall" does not block all cross-border information but regulates foreign websites that do not comply with Chinese law. This explanation not only responds to questions about how foreigners can freely use Xiaohongshu without being restricted by the wall, but also legitimizes China's internet policies, emphasizing their legality and necessity. Through this interpretation, the article underscores the legitimacy of China's actions and clarifies its policies regarding information exchange. Finally, Example 7 compares the healthcare systems of China and the US to further links the flaws in the US healthcare system with China's affordable healthcare costs, legitimizing the "rebellious behavior" of American youth as a natural reaction to dissatisfaction with the US social system. This legitimization strategy frames the choice of Xiaohongshu not merely as a cultural or technological preference but as an expression of deeper dissatisfaction with systemic inequalities in the US. In conclusion, WeChat subscription accounts employ the Addition strategy to construct a narrative that not only describes the behaviors and actions of users in the context of Sino-US cross-cultural exchanges but also provides a framework of motives and reactions that legitimize these behaviors. These reports frame cross-cultural exchange through political and cultural lenses, using re-contextualization and legitimization to create a narrative that highlights political dissatisfaction, cultural confrontation, and ideological conflict. This approach deepens the understanding of Sino-US exchanges, illustrating how personal actions are not only shaped by individual preferences but are also embedded in broader cultural, political, and social contexts. Discussion Since its launch in 2012, WeChat subscription accounts have quickly become a core component of China's new media ecosystem and have played a significant role in the media communication landscape. Through WeChat subscription accounts, government agencies, traditional media, businesses, and individuals can publish information, thus creating a "mainstream media + self-media" hybrid communication network. This network not only breaks through the "one-way communication" model of traditional media but also promotes "decentralized" communication, allowing ordinary users to voice their opinions through self-media, making them active participants in the dissemination process. In this study, we observed that, aside from official media accounts, many private companies and individual accounts also utilize this platform for information dissemination, further enriching the diversity of information flow. Particularly in the propagation of social ideologies, the role of WeChat subscription accounts cannot be overlooked. Traditional media have long played a leading role in guiding mainstream ideologies, but the rise of WeChat subscription accounts has allowed voices from different perspectives to circulate freely. Non-governmental organizations, scholars, grassroots activists, and other groups within civil society have used subscription accounts to publish challenging social issues, thus promoting the diversification of social ideologies. Among young people, many individuals or small teams with a strong sense of self-expression use subscription accounts to explore political, cultural, and economic topics, providing a new space for the diversity of social thought. However, our research analysis indicates that despite the diversity in the types of publishing entities (including official and private accounts), there is a significant tendency towards homogenization in the selection of themes, with a lack of depth and diversity in the content. For example, many subscription accounts focus on the interaction between Chinese and American netizens on platforms such as Xiaohongshu, choosing topics like " reconciliation" that give Chinese readers a sense of superiority. However, these topics are often analyzed only at a superficial level, lacking in-depth discussion of the broader implications of China-U.S. relations. While this superficial analysis can attract readers' attention, it does not truly address the core issues. Therefore, despite WeChat subscription accounts' contribution to the coverage and diversification of information, there are clear limitations in terms of content depth and ideological variety. On the other hand, WeChat subscription accounts also exhibit distinct advantages in language style and cultural integration. For example, when discussing the "Tiktok refugees" phenomenon, official media may use formal terms such as "American netizens" or "TikTok users," whereas subscription accounts tend to use more familiar terms like "American friends" or "ordinary Americans." This informal language style makes the content more engaging, easier to understand, and helps establish a closer emotional connection with readers. The localization of language and the friendly tone not only increase readers' interest but also make the transmission of information smoother, enhancing both the attractiveness and readability of the articles. Moreover, WeChat subscription accounts often interpret the social and political context surrounding issues. For instance, many subscription accounts, when discussing the "Douyin refugees" phenomenon, not only present the surface-level issue but also analyze the American political and social background behind it. This analysis, to some extent, satisfies the readers' psychological need, particularly by reinforcing their sense of superiority. Many subscription accounts use this strategy to gain a large number of reads in a short time, thereby increasing their influence. However, despite providing detailed descriptions of the American political context, these articles typically fail to analyze the underlying political system differences and the deeper social causes. In fact, the mechanism of WeChat subscription accounts dictates this approach: in order to attract a wider audience, subscription accounts are compelled to cater to the broader readership, often offering content that reinforces a sense of "superiority." From a deeper perspective, the dissemination model and mechanism of WeChat subscription accounts reflect a reciprocal relationship between "readers and subscription accounts," where each influences the other. To some extent, in order to meet the demands of readers, subscription accounts selectively present information, while readers filter content based on reading volume. This interaction leads to content becoming more entertainment-oriented and superficial, a trend that reveals the preferences of the Chinese WeChat subscription account audience. Most readers are inclined to consume content that enhances their psychological sense of superiority, particularly when the topics relate to politics, culture, or societal phenomena. Such emotionally-driven content tends to attract more attention. In summary, although WeChat subscription accounts play a positive role in promoting information dissemination and the diversification of social ideologies, their content suffers from homogenization, superficiality, and a strategy of catering to readers' preferences. This phenomenon reflects the reliance on traffic and readership for subscription accounts' success, as well as readers' demand for emotional gratification and entertaining content. Moving forward, as WeChat subscription accounts continue to attract audiences, how they can make breakthroughs in depth and diversity remains an important issue to consider. Conclusion This paper has explored the significant role of WeChat subscription accounts in reporting cross-cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users, particularly in the context of the digital migration of TikTok users to Xiaohongshu amidst the legal challenges surrounding TikTok's presence in the U.S. Through a detailed examination of the intertextual strategies used in these articles, such as recontextualization, substitution, and addition, this study has shown how WeChat subscription accounts not only shape but also influence the discourse surrounding Sino-U.S. cultural interactions. WeChat subscription accounts, as part of China’s digital media ecosystem, have emerged as key platforms for disseminating social ideologies and facilitating cultural exchange. They provide an essential avenue for discussions on international issues, particularly through the lens of political and cultural differences. In reporting on the migration of TikTok users—often referred to as "TikTok refugees"—WeChat subscription accounts have used intertextuality to incorporate diverse perspectives, including content from social media, mainstream news, and market analysis, to construct narratives that blend cultural and political narratives. These accounts have successfully framed Sino-American exchanges within the context of political tensions, particularly regarding digital platforms and governance, adding a layer of legitimacy to the discussions by incorporating political and socio-cultural factors. However, despite their role in enhancing information dissemination, the content of WeChat subscription accounts tends to focus on politically charged, surface-level issues, while largely overlooking the deeper socio-cultural dimensions of Sino-U.S. relations. The articles often emphasize the immediacy of cultural exchanges, with a preference for topics like " reconciliation" or "digital migration," and prioritize entertainment value over in-depth analysis. This tendency has led to a homogenization of content, where emotional appeal and reader engagement often outweigh the need for comprehensive discussion. As a result, the complexity of cross-cultural exchanges is simplified, reducing the potential for a nuanced understanding of the implications of these interactions. The interaction between readers and subscription accounts reveals a reciprocal influence: while accounts tailor their content to meet audience preferences for sensational, easily digestible information, readers, in turn, shape the focus of content through their preferences and engagement. This dynamic has led to an overall emphasis on issues that resonate emotionally, such as perceived cultural superiority, rather than deeper explorations of political or social disparities. In conclusion, while WeChat subscription accounts play a vital role in shaping and disseminating social ideologies and facilitating cultural exchange, their content reflects a broader trend towards simplification and entertainment-driven narratives. The platform’s focus on broad audience appeal often sacrifices the depth and diversity needed to fully explore the intricacies of international cultural interactions. As digital media continues to evolve, it is crucial for WeChat subscription accounts to balance their appeal with more comprehensive, informed discussions that address the complexity of cross-cultural exchanges, offering a richer and more diverse perspective on global issues. Declarations Author Contribution Shangzhen Zhu was responsible for literature review, manuscript writing, and data collection Hongli Wang provided overall guidance and contributed to the framework development. References Altahmazi, T. H. M. (2020). 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Social Semiotics as Praxis. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. TikTok. (2024, April 25). Statement on enactment of the TikTok ban. TikTok Newsroom. Retrieved from https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/statement-on-enactment-of-the-tiktok-ban-april-24-2024 Törnberg, A., & Törnberg, P. (2016). Combining CDA and topic modeling: Analyzing discursive connections between Islamophobia and anti-feminism on an online forum. Discourse & Society, 27(4), 401–422. https://doi.org/10.1177/0957926516646445 Van Dijk, A. (2008b). Discourse and power. Palgrave Macmillan. Van Leeuwen, T. (2008a). Discourse and Practice: New Tools for Critical Discourse Analysis. New York: Oxford University Press. Van Leeuwen, T. (2009). Discourse as the recontextualization of social practice: A guide. NA. Van Leeuwen, T., & Wodak, R. (1999). Legitimizing immigration control: A discourse-historical analysis. Discourse Studies, 1(1), 83-118. Wu, J., Huang, S., Zheng, R. (2016). Recontextualization and transformation in media discourse: An analysis of the First-Instance Judgment of the Peng Yu Case. Discourse & Society, 27(4), 441-466. https://doi.org/10.1177/0957926516634547 Yilek, C. (2025, January 19). TikTok starts restoring service in the U.S. after shutting down over divest-or-ban law. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-restore-service-us-divest-or-ban-law Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files AppendixI.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviews received at journal 27 Apr, 2026 Reviews received at journal 12 Apr, 2026 Reviews received at journal 07 Apr, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 30 Mar, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 28 Mar, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 26 Mar, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 26 Mar, 2026 Editor invited by journal 28 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 30 Jul, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 23 Jun, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 23 Jun, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 25 May, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 25 May, 2025 First submitted to journal 14 May, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6663147","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":475475685,"identity":"fe204ba5-7e9a-4631-a4e4-efc2bbcffc6d","order_by":0,"name":"Shangzhen ZHU","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA1klEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACxgbmhgNglgQD44OEihpitDDCtTAbPDhzjDh7GKBa2CQftjAT1sA8I7HxwM8ddgzys3vMKhIb2Bj427sT8NsxI7HhYO+ZZAbGOWfMbiTukGGQOHN2A0EtB3jbmBmYJXKAWs6wMRhI5BLWcvBvWz0DG1BLQSJQL1FaDvO2HWbgAWphIE5Lz8OGw7JtxxkkJNKKJRLOHOMh6BfD9uTDH9+2VTPIz0je+PFHRY0cf3svAS0NELoeSjPw4FUOAvIEVYyCUTAKRsEoAAAdv0lqTtQIrAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Xi'an Jiaotong University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Shangzhen","middleName":"","lastName":"ZHU","suffix":""},{"id":475475686,"identity":"e2396eba-0b74-4d15-9309-6fdb3987cc82","order_by":1,"name":"Hongli Wang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Xi'an Jiaotong University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hongli","middleName":"","lastName":"Wang","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-05-14 10:23:25","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6663147/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6663147/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":85380987,"identity":"026e87ab-cbb2-4bb0-a2e2-2e97910b24a0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-25 09:09:36","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":181988,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeyword Popularity Trends on WeChat: China-U.S. Relations, Xiaohongshu, and TikTok Refugees (January 2025)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6663147/v1/82278812a4ca74d38b408fef.png"},{"id":85381353,"identity":"1ddbbb16-2f0b-473d-a9a9-ff098dce8919","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-25 09:17:36","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":67630,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTimeline of Key Events and Research Period-TikTok Ban and User Migration to Xiaohongshu (January 2025)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6663147/v1/5b679aea0de718bca0b33161.png"},{"id":85380997,"identity":"4bef79b0-e8cb-4bf0-ab8c-1fc52d9e4c18","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-25 09:09:36","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":475792,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eUnnumbered image in the Methodology section.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"un1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6663147/v1/61be09de244fc79a7cab089f.png"},{"id":85382948,"identity":"396d951f-ba0d-494c-82ae-f772e0f64e22","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-25 09:33:36","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1661470,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6663147/v1/b4059701-cd58-4788-a829-aff35806c700.pdf"},{"id":85380991,"identity":"98d42177-8657-4db2-9605-d715615c150b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-25 09:09:36","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":35085,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"AppendixI.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6663147/v1/f5431a30e975968d54374168.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Recontextualizing Cultural Exchanges: The Role of WeChat Subscription Account in Shaping Sino-U.S. Digital Migration Discourse","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn January 2025, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold a federal law blocking TikTok unless ByteDance sold the app, concerns about the future of the platform intensified. As a result, many American users began searching for alternatives, with a notable shift towards Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), a widely popular Chinese social media platform. By January 14, Xiaohongshu had rapidly ascended to the top of Apple's U.S. App Store rankings, maintaining its position as the number one downloaded app on both iOS and Android platforms by January 17 (Cheung, Jiang, \u0026amp; Tayir, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e; Fu \u0026amp; Cohen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). This digital migration, often dubbed the movement of \"TikTok refugees,\" highlights the evolving dynamics of social media usage and the potential shifts in cultural exchange across platforms.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this context, WeChat subscription accounts have emerged as a pivotal medium for disseminating social ideologies and constructing discourse within China. With a user base of 1.382\u0026nbsp;billion monthly active accounts as of September 2024 (Tencent, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e), WeChat offers a unique platform for both official and private entities to influence public perceptions, particularly in the arena of cross-cultural communication. As a significant information dissemination tool, WeChat subscription accounts have become critical sites for the transmission of social ideologies, especially in the context of interactions between Chinese and American users on platforms like Xiaohongshu. The People\u0026rsquo;s Daily (Su, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e) emphasizes China's stance in supporting such cultural exchanges, viewing the interaction between American \"TikTok refugees\" and Chinese users as a way to foster mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral ties.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe digital migration of TikTok users has sparked broad societal interest, which is further reflected in the media landscape. In particular, WeChat subscription accounts contribute to reporting such social events, showcasing their unique role in shaping public discourse. These accounts are characterized by their timely coverage, often offering near real-time reflections of significant social events. Furthermore, both private and official accounts provide diverse representations of social ideologies and cultural attitudes. The social sharing features embedded in WeChat amplify this discourse, enabling content to reach vast audiences as users circulate articles within their personal networks, significantly influencing the formation of social ideologies and cultural perceptions. Against this backdrop, this paper investigates how WeChat subscription accounts employ recontextualization strategies in reporting cross-cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users on Xiaohongshu. It explores how these strategies are used to reflect social ideologies and cultural attitudes within the mediated context of social media. Specifically, this research seeks to answer two key questions:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow do WeChat subscription accounts employ recontextualization strategies to report and present the cross-cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users on Xiaohongshu?\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat social ideologies and cultural attitudes are reflected in these recontextualization strategies, considering the unique role and features of WeChat subscription accounts?\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBy addressing these questions, this paper aims to uncover how WeChat subscription accounts serve as influential tools for reporting social events in the digital age and how these platforms reflect emerging social ideologies in cross-cultural interactions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eThe Impact of TikTok's Legal Challenges on User Migration to Xiaohongshu: A Timeline of Events and Trends\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e TikTok has faced a series of challenges since 2019, including a \u003cspan\u003e$\u003c/span\u003e5.7\u0026nbsp;million fine by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for illegally collecting data from minors, and an executive order by President Trump in August 2020 requiring ByteDance to sell its U.S. TikTok business due to national security concerns (Pham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e ; Kolodny, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e ). From 2021 to 2023, TikTok's privacy issues escalated with allegations of data sharing with China, tracking users, and internal leaks showing Chinese employees accessing U.S. data. In 2022, the U.S. banned TikTok on federal devices, and further concerns arose in 2023 regarding LGBTQ\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;user tracking and storing financial data in China. \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn response to the ban, TikTok issued a statement on April 25, 2024, denouncing the move as unconstitutional and pledging to protect U.S. user data, emphasizing the harm the ban would cause to businesses and Americans (TikTok, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). On December 13, 2024, the DC Circuit Court denied TikTok's request to pause the ban, setting the stage for the Supreme Court to decide the app\u0026rsquo;s fate (Bacon, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). On January 10, 2025, during the Supreme Court hearing, it was confirmed that TikTok would shut down on January 19, 2025, if the law was upheld (Tenbarge, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). As the ban loomed, many U.S. users flocked to Xiaohongshu, making it the most downloaded app in the U.S., driven by those seeking an alternative to TikTok (Soo, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). On January 16, 2025, Xiaohongshu gained nearly 3\u0026nbsp;million new users in a single day, bringing its daily active users to 3.4\u0026nbsp;million (Paul, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). On January 18, 2025, TikTok went offline ahead of the ban, as required by the divest-or-ban law (Pellish \u0026amp; Stelter, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). However, just hours before the Supreme Court ruling was set to take effect, TikTok began restoring service on January 19, 2025, following President-elect Trump\u0026rsquo;s executive order to pause the ban (Yilek, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). Finally, on January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order suspending the ban for 75 days, providing temporary relief (Ho, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). TikTok was quickly restored, and users were greeted with a notification thanking them for their patience and attributing the app\u0026rsquo;s return to Trump\u0026rsquo;s efforts (Duffy \u0026amp; Goldman, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo explore the topic's popularity on WeChat, I used the \"WeChat Index\" mini-program to generate trend data, with the search terms \"中美\" (China and the U.S.), \"小红书\" (Xiaohongshu), and \"抖音难民\" (Tiktok Refugees). The WeChat Index chart shows how the popularity of keywords changes over time, with heat data from various channels such as Search, Video Accounts, Live Streaming, WeChat subscription account, Web Pages, and some advertising affecting the index. The calculation mainly considers the popularity of content related to the keywords and the importance of those keywords within the content. As shown on the right side of Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, the trend for \"中美\" (China and the United States) demonstrates relatively stable interest, with a slight increase around January 18th, reflecting ongoing attention to China-U.S. relations. Meanwhile, \"小红书\" (Xiaohongshu) experienced a significant surge from January 12th to 15th, driven by popular content on the platform. Both of these keywords saw an increase starting on January 14th, and the keyword \"小红书\" peaked on January 16th. On the other hand, the trend for \"抖音难民\" (Tiktok Refugees) started at 0 on January 13th, with a heat index of 79,046 on January 14th. On January 16th, the topic's heat index surged dramatically, reaching 707,238, and then gradually decreased over the next few days.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the above, this research outlines the timeline for Tiktok ban in January 2025, highlighting the key research period from January 14, 2025, to January 28, 2025(Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). This period covers important political events related to Tiktok in January 2025, which are the driving forces behind Tiktok users shifting to Xiaohongshu, providing social practice and content material for the creation of WeChat subscription accounts. Additionally, it encompasses the initial, peak, and subsequent content creation and popularity on WeChat during this time, offering a comprehensive view of the research subject.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec2\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRecontextualization and Critical Discourse Analysis(CDA)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecontextualizing specific terms, viewpoints, or facts results in semantic changes because the context changes. As a result, the way of interpreting the same discourse and the intertextual dependencies it relies on also vary, and the transferred elements acquire new meanings. Van Dijk (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008b\u003c/span\u003e) defines discourse as the re-contextualization of practical activities, i.e., \u0026ldquo;material events and social practices occurring in the material world are reshaped and expressed in discourse or conversation\u0026rdquo; (T\u0026ouml;rnberg \u0026amp; T\u0026ouml;rnberg, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e, p. 408). Recontextualization, as a core concept in critical discourse analysis, further reveals the process of meaning transformation within texts. Hutcheon (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1989\u003c/span\u003e) argues that recontextualization is an appropriation of existing representations, where elements from old contexts are transferred into new contexts, thereby acquiring new meanings. van Leeuwen and Wodak (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e) propose that recontextualization inevitably leads to shifts in meaning, and they identify four common strategies for such transformations: deletion, rearrangement, substitution, and addition. Van Leeuwen and Wodak (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e) particularly emphasize the roles of rearrangement and substitution, where rearrangement involves changing the order of elements to reconstruct the representation of social practices, while substitution alters the representation of elements in discourse. van Leeuwen (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008a\u003c/span\u003e) points out that recontextualization involves extracting elements from actual social practices and reconstructing them based on new contexts. Van Leeuwen (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008a\u003c/span\u003e: 143\u0026ndash;144) identifies three key transformations in the analysis of multimodal intertextuality: deletion, substitution, and addition. Deletion refers to omitting certain elements of a social practice in a specific context to meet the analytical needs; substitution involves transforming social practice elements into discourse representations, such as converting individualized actions into generalized types; and addition introduces new reactions and motivations, expanding the semantic framework of the social practice. These strategies\u0026mdash;deletion, substitution, and addition\u0026mdash;serve to modify the representation of social practices, allowing them to adapt to new discursive contexts and providing insight into the recontextualization processes within discourse.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis concept aligns with Thibault\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1991\u003c/span\u003e: 130) view that meaning is not simply inherent in discourse, but is generated and transformed through various intertextual relationships in specific social and historical contexts. Recontextualization not only reveals the process of discourse generation but also highlights the role of the social context in shaping discourse meaning.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecontextualization has been widely used in discourse analysis to understand how meanings are shifted, transformed, or reframed across different contexts. It involves the adaptation or reinterpretation of texts and practices from one context to another, often resulting in changes in their meaning. Several studies have explored how this concept applies to various discursive practices, from media to legal discourse, education, and even public health settings. In Media Discourse\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecontextualization in media involves adapting concepts and narratives to fit different cultural or national contexts. For example, the concept of \"One Country, Two Systems\" is framed differently in Chinese, American, and British media, reflecting their respective national perspectives (Liu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, in China, online grassroots discourse recontextualizes revolutionary ideologies to address modern issues with emotional appeal and class-based strategies (Liu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Media texts are also shaped by historical contexts, where they are reinterpreted over time (Wu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). When private communications, such as text messages, are made public, they undergo transformations to fit the public narrative (Pfurtscheller \u0026amp; Daniel, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). In education, recontextualization affects how knowledge is transmitted in curricula, with forms such as canonization or commodification influencing the content (Dickens \u0026amp; Siobhan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). In legal discourse, it adapts legal principles to shape specific interpretations, as seen in the excited utterance exception in hearsay law (Andrus \u0026amp; Jennifer, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). Recontextualization in translation involves adapting texts to the cultural and ideological contexts of the target language. This includes multimodal shifts, such as the transformation of ISIS news for different audiences (Altahmazi \u0026amp; Thulfiqar, 2020), or the strategic recontextualization of news headlines in Korea (Seo, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). In public health, recontextualization adapts health policies and narratives to fit shifting social and political contexts, balancing stability with change (Cox et al., 2010).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecontextualization in media involves adapting concepts and narratives to fit different cultural or national contexts. For example, the concept of \"One Country, Two Systems\" is framed differently in Chinese, American, and British media, reflecting their respective national perspectives (Liu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, in China, online grassroots discourse recontextualizes revolutionary ideologies to address modern issues with emotional appeal and class-based strategies (Liu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Media texts are also shaped by historical contexts, where they are reinterpreted over time (Wu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). When private communications, such as text messages, are made public, they undergo transformations to fit the public narrative (Pfurtscheller \u0026amp; Daniel, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). In education, recontextualization affects how knowledge is transmitted in curricula, with forms such as canonization or commodification influencing the content (Dickens \u0026amp; Siobhan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). In legal discourse, it adapts legal principles to shape specific interpretations, as seen in the excited utterance exception in hearsay law (Andrus \u0026amp; Jennifer, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). Recontextualization in translation involves adapting texts to the cultural and ideological contexts of the target language. This includes multimodal shifts, such as the transformation of ISIS news for different audiences (Altahmazi \u0026amp; Thulfiqar, 2020), or the strategic recontextualization of news headlines in Korea (Seo, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). In public health, recontextualization adapts health policies and narratives to fit shifting social and political contexts, balancing stability with change (Cox et al., 2010).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe integration of recontextualization and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) with WeChat subscription articles is particularly relevant in examining how media platforms engage in the transformation of content across cultural and political contexts. As discussed, recontextualization involves adapting content to fit specific social, cultural, or political environments, and WeChat subscription accounts are a key player in this process. These articles represent not just a reproduction of ideas but a reworking of those ideas to align with the platform's audience and the broader cultural narratives. In the case of Chinese and American interactions on platforms like Xiaohongshu, the content is not merely translated or relayed but transformed to resonate with both audiences' expectations, ideologies, and sensitivities. By applying recontextualization strategies such as deletion, substitution, and addition, these articles significantly reshape the political, cultural, and social implications of the content they present. This dynamic process reflects how WeChat subscription accounts, through the selective alteration of content, play a crucial role in navigating cross-cultural exchanges while maintaining political and cultural narratives that align with specific agendas. Therefore, Recontextualization in WeChat articles is not only a linguistic process but a semiotic one, shaping how social events are represented and understood. The articles\u0026rsquo; symbolic power influences public perceptions, allowing for the continuous transformation of social ideologies and cultural attitudes. By analyzing these strategies, we can better understand how WeChat subscription accounts mediate cross-cultural discourse and contribute to shaping emerging narratives around social identity and global communication.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStep 1: Data Collection and Selection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data collection period is set from January 14, 2025, to January 28, 2025, covering a total of 14 days. This specific time frame ensures a focused analysis of WeChat subscription account articles that address the cross-cultural interaction between China and the United States, particularly during a period of heightened discussion.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo gather relevant data, the keywords “Xiaohongshu” and “China-US” were used to search for articles on WeChat public accounts. This targeted search approach helps to identify articles directly related to the theme of cross-cultural interactions and the role of Xiaohongshu in the broader context of Sino-U.S. relations. Moreover, this study filters articles based on their readership: only those with a reading volume exceeding 50,000 are included. These articles were chosen because they represent popular and influential discourses on the topics of \"Xiaohongshu\" and the ongoing cultural exchange between China and the U.S. The reading volume threshold ensures that the selected articles are well-received by readers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 2: Data Coding and Analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe selected articles will be saved as PDF files and imported into NVivo for qualitative analysis, focusing on coding and categorizing textual data. NVivo’s capabilities will facilitate the identification and examination of intertextual strategies used in WeChat public account articles. A coding framework will be established, incorporating categories such as Categories of Source and three recontextualization strategies: Deletion, Substitution, and Addition. This framework will help analyze how different strategies create textual connections and reshape social reality through recontextualization techniques. The analysis will involve identifying and marking recontextualization strategies within the selected articles, followed by an examination of their functional roles and discursive purposes. By adopting this systematic approach, the study aims to uncover how these strategies influence cross-cultural communication, particularly in shaping social ideologies within the context of China-U.S. interactions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Data and analysis","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs shown in Appendix I, the research objects consist of 23 WeChat subscription account articles, each with a significant readership, published between January 14, 2025, and January 28, 2025.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe titles of these articles revolve around the theme of \"interaction between Chinese and American netizens,\" with high-frequency terms including \"Chinese and American netizens,\" \"account reconciliation,\" \"awakening,\" \"Xiaohongshu,\" and \"America,\" reflecting the phenomenon of cultural or political exchanges between the two countries' netizens on the Xiaohongshu platform. Many titles also carry obvious political metaphors, such as \"anti-China propaganda backfires,\" \"Washington pressure,\" and \"Jewish capital,\" implying ideological conflicts between China and the U.S. Furthermore, several articles emphasize the \"explosive popularity\" and \"occupation\" of Xiaohongshu, with some titles mentioning the user migration phenomenon following TikTok's ban, such as \"TikTok refugees.\" The language style of the titles is generally emotional, using colloquial terms like \"laughing to death,\" \"crazy,\" and \"belief collapse\" to attract readers, while reinforcing opposition and drama through conflict-driven narratives such as \"counterattacking the U.S. government,\" \"toxic schemes,\" and \"mocking.\"\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegarding the publication timeline, the articles are mainly concentrated between January 15 and 17, 2025, with January 17 seeing the highest volume of posts, reaching seven articles, including contributions from authoritative media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency and CCTV News. January 15 marked the earliest outbreak, with four articles published on that day, the first of which was released at 14:19 (\"Xiaohongshu Occupied by U.S. TikTok Refugees\"). Articles continued to be published sporadically from January 18 to 22, but the attention gradually waned. In terms of publication timing, official media (e.g., CCTV News, Zhejiang Publicity) tends to publish articles in the morning (7:00–9:00), while private accounts (e.g., Guancha Syndicate, Sheng Chan Team) often post in the evening (20:00–23:59), with their titles being more controversial.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe publishers fall into three main categories: official media, private/company accounts, and local propaganda accounts. Official media accounts make up about 30%, including Xinhua News Agency, CCTV News, and Global Times, with a neutral title style focused on factual reporting, such as Xinhua’s \"Xiaohongshu Is Getting Popular in the U.S.\" and CCTV News's \"American Netizens Flood Xiaohongshu...\". Private/company accounts represent about 65%, with platforms like Guancha Syndicate, Hu Xijin’s observations, and Sheng Chan Team, whose titles are more emotional and controversial, such as Guancha Syndicate's \"Americans Are Awakening...\" and Sheng Chan Team’s \"Jewish Capital's Sky Has Collapsed!\" Local propaganda accounts, such as Zhejiang Propaganda, tend to have a more restrained title style, often using metaphorical questions, such as \"Why did a 'reconciliation' lead to an 'awakening'?\"\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn terms of discourse strategies, official media promote narratives through authoritative endorsements, while private accounts rely on emotional titles to capture traffic. The focus of the discourse centers on the grassroots interaction between Chinese and American netizens, which is framed as a symbol of \"awakening\" and \"anti-hegemony,\" with Xiaohongshu becoming a virtual battleground for cross-cultural conflict. Over time, the topic evolved from \"Chinese and American netizens reconciling\" on January 15 to new issues such as \"U.S. government’s intent to ban Xiaohongshu,\" reflecting the continuity and complexity of the public opinion battle.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDeletion - Emphasis on Cultural Exchange and Political Factors\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFirstly, it is important to clarify the role of the “deletion” strategy in the construction of social discourse. Van Leeuwen and Wodak (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e) argue that “deletion” is not merely the omission of information but a form of selective representation that shapes the framework and ideology of the reported content. By selectively presenting certain topics and ignoring others, the report directs the readers' attention to specific issues. In the reports of WeChat public accounts, the frequent appearance of themes such as “current exchange situation” and “mention of politics” alongside the low frequency of “personal feelings” and “related impacts,” exemplifies this strategy. These reports do not focus on individual experiences but instead concentrate on political-level analysis. This aligns with Van Leeuwen and Wodak’s view—by “deleting” certain aspects, the report constructs a narrative framework that predominantly focuses on the macro perspective, with a political inclination.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, the frequency of topics in the WeChat subscription account articles reveal the focal points of the coverage. The themes of “current exchange situation” and “mention of politics” appeared 14 times, suggesting that WeChat public accounts place significant emphasis on the present state of interaction and the political context of communication between China and the United States. The emphasis on the “current state of communication” likely aims to present a positive or immediate view of Sino-US exchanges, rather than delving into their long-term social or cultural impacts. In contrast, the theme of “reconciliation (对账)” appeared 11 times, indicating that the articles focus on online confrontations and conflicts, especially in discussions about cultural comparisons and the cost of living. However, the themes of “personal feelings” and “related impacts” occurred less frequently, only 3 times and 2 times, respectively, suggesting that the reports concentrate more on macro-level analysis and less on individual emotional and societal impacts. Finally, the theme of “Sino-US relations” appeared only once, indicating that the overall state of Sino-US relations was not deeply examined in most reports.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWeChat articles on Sino-US exchanges tend to emphasize the current state of cultural exchange and political factors while minimizing personal feelings and long-term socio-cultural impacts. This selective approach is driven by the need for broad audience appeal. Macro-level issues such as the state of communication and political background align with national interests and security, resonating with the audience and provoking emotional reactions. In contrast, micro-level topics like personal emotions or social impacts are less likely to capture attention without detailed emotional narratives or socio-cultural analysis. Furthermore, many WeChat subscription accounts, particularly personal ones, lack expertise in political analysis or international relations, leading to a focus on more general themes. As a result, the articles often provide a narrow view, emphasizing the political aspects of Sino-US exchanges without exploring the complexities of bilateral relations or individual experiences. The frequent mention of political background highlights the integration of cultural exchange with international politics. However, this framework often overly simplifies the relationship, focusing on specific events (e.g., TikTok regulation) and neglecting a broader historical or macro-level understanding of Sino-US relations. This suggests that the reporting offers a politicized narrative, portraying cultural exchanges as shaped by political dynamics while failing to explore the deeper cultural differences and mutual influences at play.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn summary, WeChat articles adopt a selective reporting strategy that emphasizes political contexts and the current state of cultural exchange, while sidelining personal experiences and long-term impacts. This approach not only directs readers' attention to specific issues but also reinforces a political interpretation of Sino-US exchanges. However, by downplaying cultural diversity and individual perspectives, this framework oversimplifies the complexity of cross-cultural interactions, offering a more unified, politically-driven narrative.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency of Topics Mentioned in Selected Articles\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscussed Topics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMentioned Count\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCurrent Exchange Situation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMention of Politics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReconciliation(对账)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePersonal Feelings\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelated Impacts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSino-US Relations\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSubstitution - Integration of Chinese Culture and Metaphorical Constructs\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSubstitution refers to the transformation of real-world social practice elements into discourse elements, which can be carried out in various ways. As van Leeuwen and Wodak (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e: 97) point out, even in the case of verbal representations, what is represented and what represents it will never be identical. This process primarily involves two substitution mechanisms: abstraction and generalization. For instance, participants can be represented either as specific individuals or as types of groups, using either abstract or concrete terms.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable 2 highlights the distinction between how TikTok users self-identify and how they are represented in WeChat subscription articles, focusing on the abstract strategies employed and the discourse effects that arise. The first column lists the self-identification term used by TikTok users themselves, namely \"TikTok refugees\" (抖音难民). In contrast, the second column reveals how they are described in WeChat articles, using terms like \"American netizens\" (美国网友), \"American TikTok users\" (美国抖音用户), \"American Tiezi\" (美国铁子), and \"Western common people\" (西方老百姓). These representations employ strategies such as regional generalization and cultural fusion. By using these strategies, the articles transform the specific identity of TikTok users into a broader characterization of a regional group, thereby diluting the political connotations associated with the term \"TikTok refugees.\" For instance, terms like \"美国网友\" (American netizens) and \"美国抖音用户\" (American TikTok users) generalize the group’s behavior, fitting it into the established narrative of East-West regional differences. This helps neutralize the political impact of the original self-identified label. Additionally, the term \"美国铁子\" (American Tiezi), which incorporates the northeastern dialect term \"laotie\" (老铁, meaning close friend), introduces a sense of familiarity and closeness, bridging cultural and relational gaps between the articles and their readers. The use of \"American Tiezi\" fosters intimacy, which contrasts with the more distant and politically charged term \"TikTok refugees.\".\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNetizens' Self-Identification\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePublic Account Representation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbstract Strategy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscourse Effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTikTok Refugees\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e美国网友American Netizens\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegional Generalization\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eErasing Identity Politics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e美国抖音用户American TikTok Users\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e美国铁子American Tiezi\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCultural Fusion\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReducing the Sense of Distance\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e西方老百姓Western common people\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e: \u003cb\u003eSelf-Identification vs. Representation in WeChat Subscription Articles: Abstract Strategies and Discourse Effects\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, generalization terms were used to describe and generalize the communication behaviors, such as \"亿洋迁徙\" (Billion Migration), \"对账\" (Reconciliation), \"世纪大对账\" (Century-long Reconciliation), \"早C晚A\" (Early C, Late A), and \"洋悟运动\" (Western Enlightenment Movement). The meaning breakdown, cognitive framework shifts, and ideological functions of these terms are as shown in the table. Among them, \"对账\" and \"洋务运动\" are particularly noteworthy.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe term Reconciliation \"对账\" is metaphorical. Originally, Reconciliation \"对账\" referred to the professional practice of reconciling accounts in business to ensure consistency in financial data, emphasizing precision and systematization. However, in this context, the behavior of comparing prices, incomes, and other data to calculate living costs among Chinese and American netizens mirrors the characteristics of accounting reconciliation: data-driven, relying on specific figures (such as commodity prices and price-to-income ratios); itemized comparisons (food, housing, education expenses); and result-oriented, attempting to conclude which country offers a more affordable lifestyle. This includes two main metaphorical logics, as shown in the Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. First, Economic Rationality. This dimension borrows the authority of accounting terminology. By invoking accounting terms, the comparison behavior of the netizens is given the appearance of being \"scientifically objective,\" making it seem like their actions are based on rigorous calculation and evaluation, which enhances the credibility and authority of the discourse. Second, Counter-Narrative. This dimension implicitly carries the \"accounting-clearing\" logic. It transforms the differences between cultures and societies into quantifiable \"accounts\" and further clears these differences, turning them into a quantitative proof of cultural superiority or inferiority. This approach shifts cross-cultural differences from subjective feelings to objective data comparisons, thereby reinforcing a dichotomous cultural framework.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe term \"洋悟运动\" is a modified version of \"洋务运动\" (Self-Strengthening Movement). The Self-Strengthening Movement (1861–1895) was an attempt by the Qing Dynasty to modernize by adopting Western techniques, whereas \"洋悟运动\" (Western Enlightenment Movement) combines \"洋\" (Westerners) with \"悟\" (enlightenment through understanding) and \"运动\" (movement), creating a new narrative that challenges Western centrism. As evidenced by numerous reports from WeChat subscription accounts, through the so-called reconciliation, many American netizens discovered that the cost of living in the U.S. is relatively high (Example1-3). The term \"洋悟运动\" (Western Enlightenment Movement) carries connotations of cultural reflection and awakening, highlighting a shift in understanding and awareness through recognizing the differences between Eastern and Western cultures or lifestyles. In this context, \"洋悟运动\" (Western Enlightenment Movement) signifies an awakening triggered by cross-cultural exchanges, particularly through interactions on internet platforms, prompting netizens from China and the U.S. to reflect on the disparities in living costs and social welfare. The awakening here refers to Americans realizing that their position is not as superior as they once believed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e两边一对账, 美国年轻人发现, 原来自己才是被骗的那一波人。After the reconciliation, American youth realized that they were the ones being deceived.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e小红书对账后, 美国人的信仰崩了。After Xiaohongshu reconciliation, Americans' beliefs shattered.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e笑死!中美网民开始在小红书对账了, 结果两边都震惊了。Laughing out loud! Chinese and American netizens started reconciling on Xiaohongshu, and both sides were shocked.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGeneralization Terms in WeChat Articles and Their Symbol Breakdown, Cognitive Framework Shift, and Ideological Function\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTerm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSymbol Breakdown\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCognitive Framework Shift\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdeological Function\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e亿洋迁徙Billion Foreigners Migration\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBillion (exaggeration of quantity) + Foreigners (cross-cultural) + Migration (biological metaphor)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUser migration → Migratory birds / Great voyage adventure\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNaturalizes the political and capital-driven data flow as biological activity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e对账Account Reconciliation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccounting term (economic auditing)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparing information disparities between countries → Financial and accounting review\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstablishes relationships in accounting audits, suggesting the settlement of cultural information inequalities\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e世纪大对账Century-long Account Reconciliation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccount reconciliation + Century (grand temporal scale)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparing information disparities between countries → Ultimate judgment in accounting audits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrengthens the historical significance of new cultural inequalities being settled\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e早C晚AEarly C, Late A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC = China, A = America (political coding)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSkincare routine / Lifestyle → The inclusion of U.S. users changes how Xiaohongshu is used: daytime is Chinese, nighttime is American\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmphasizes the blending of cultural identities and the merging of distinct cultural perspectives based on time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e洋悟运动Western Enlightenment Movement\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWestern (Western symbols) + Enlightenment (Eastern wisdom)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUser behavior → New civilization awakening movement\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUses historical discourse to create the idea of enlightenment in the digital age\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMetaphorical Functions in Cultural Exchange Discourse\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMetaphorical Dimension\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpecific Manifestation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFunctional Analysis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEconomic Rationality\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBorrowing the authority of accounting terminology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvides the illusion of \"scientific objectivity\" to everyday comparative actions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCounter-Narrative\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplicit \"Accounting-Clearing\" logic\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransforms life differences into a quantified proof of cultural superiority and inferiority\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAddition - Incorporation of Profound Socio-Political Motives\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eVan Leeuwen (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) argues that Addition refers to the incorporation of reactions and motives in the representation of social practices. Reactions are the psychological processes that accompany specific actions, such as how actors feel about or interpret certain actions. These reactions can vary across different discourses. Motives can be divided into purpose and legitimization. Purpose refers to the reasons for carrying out a specific action, while legitimization provides the justification for why certain practices are performed, often expressed through \"moral evaluation,\" which helps legitimize the actions. Through these additions, discourse not only describes the concrete elements of social practices but also ascribes specific reactions and motives to these behaviors, constructing a more comprehensive narrative framework.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeChat subscription accounts strategically employ the Addition strategy when reporting on Sino-US cross-cultural exchanges, effectively integrating reactions and motives. These reactions and motives not only legitimize the actions of users but also frame them within cultural and political contexts, revealing the social ideologies underlying these actions. For example, by emphasizing American users' \"rebellious mentality\" and their interpretation of Chinese policies, while also introducing issues such as healthcare differences and information barriers, the reports uncover deeper cultural and political motivations. This re-contextualization and legitimization strategy helps construct a specific narrative about Sino-US cultural exchanges, reflecting the political and social context of cross-cultural communication and highlighting the underlying cultural and ideological conflicts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirstly, in Example 4, the report discusses the US ban on TikTok and American users' decision to turn to Xiaohongshu. The report applies the legitimization strategy by rationalizing this choice as a response to US government policies. It emphasizes the \"rebellious mentality\" of American users, framing their decision not only as a reaction to the ban but also as dissatisfaction with the US political environment. Through this presentation, the WeChat subscription account integrates cross-cultural exchange with the political context, making the motivations and reactions more complex and underscoring the role of political factors in cross-cultural exchanges. Next, Example 5 elaborates on the motives behind American young people's choice of Xiaohongshu by discussing their disdain for \"Jewish capital\" and tech giants like Meta and Elon Musk. In this segment, the article similarly uses the legitimization strategy by portraying the rejection of Meta's platforms as a critique of the current social order in the US. By accusing \"Jewish capital\" and \"Musk,\" the article strengthens the ideological framework of cultural confrontation. This strategy positions the choice of Xiaohongshu as not just a preference for a technological platform but as a form of resistance against the existing economic and political power structures, deeply reflecting the complex socio-political attitudes underlying cross-cultural communication. In Example 6, the article addresses misconceptions about China's \"Great Firewall\" and clarifies that the \"wall\" does not block all cross-border information but regulates foreign websites that do not comply with Chinese law. This explanation not only responds to questions about how foreigners can freely use Xiaohongshu without being restricted by the wall, but also legitimizes China's internet policies, emphasizing their legality and necessity. Through this interpretation, the article underscores the legitimacy of China's actions and clarifies its policies regarding information exchange. Finally, Example 7 compares the healthcare systems of China and the US to further links the flaws in the US healthcare system with China's affordable healthcare costs, legitimizing the \"rebellious behavior\" of American youth as a natural reaction to dissatisfaction with the US social system. This legitimization strategy frames the choice of Xiaohongshu not merely as a cultural or technological preference but as an expression of deeper dissatisfaction with systemic inequalities in the US.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, WeChat subscription accounts employ the Addition strategy to construct a narrative that not only describes the behaviors and actions of users in the context of Sino-US cross-cultural exchanges but also provides a framework of motives and reactions that legitimize these behaviors. These reports frame cross-cultural exchange through political and cultural lenses, using re-contextualization and legitimization to create a narrative that highlights political dissatisfaction, cultural confrontation, and ideological conflict. This approach deepens the understanding of Sino-US exchanges, illustrating how personal actions are not only shaped by individual preferences but are also embedded in broader cultural, political, and social contexts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAddition - Incorporation of Profound Socio-Political Motives\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVan Leeuwen (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) argues that Addition refers to the incorporation of reactions and motives in the representation of social practices. Reactions are the psychological processes that accompany specific actions, such as how actors feel about or interpret certain actions. These reactions can vary across different discourses. Motives can be divided into purpose and legitimization. Purpose refers to the reasons for carrying out a specific action, while legitimization provides the justification for why certain practices are performed, often expressed through \"moral evaluation,\" which helps legitimize the actions. Through these additions, discourse not only describes the concrete elements of social practices but also ascribes specific reactions and motives to these behaviors, constructing a more comprehensive narrative framework.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWeChat subscription accounts strategically employ the Addition strategy when reporting on Sino-US cross-cultural exchanges, effectively integrating reactions and motives. These reactions and motives not only legitimize the actions of users but also frame them within cultural and political contexts, revealing the social ideologies underlying these actions. For example, by emphasizing American users' \"rebellious mentality\" and their interpretation of Chinese policies, while also introducing issues such as healthcare differences and information barriers, the reports uncover deeper cultural and political motivations. This re-contextualization and legitimization strategy helps construct a specific narrative about Sino-US cultural exchanges, reflecting the political and social context of cross-cultural communication and highlighting the underlying cultural and ideological conflicts.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFirstly, in Example 4, the report discusses the US ban on TikTok and American users' decision to turn to Xiaohongshu. The report applies the legitimization strategy by rationalizing this choice as a response to US government policies. It emphasizes the \"rebellious mentality\" of American users, framing their decision not only as a reaction to the ban but also as dissatisfaction with the US political environment. Through this presentation, the WeChat subscription account integrates cross-cultural exchange with the political context, making the motivations and reactions more complex and underscoring the role of political factors in cross-cultural exchanges. Next, Example 5 elaborates on the motives behind American young people's choice of Xiaohongshu by discussing their disdain for \"Jewish capital\" and tech giants like Meta and Elon Musk. In this segment, the article similarly uses the legitimization strategy by portraying the rejection of Meta's platforms as a critique of the current social order in the US. By accusing \"Jewish capital\" and \"Musk,\" the article strengthens the ideological framework of cultural confrontation. This strategy positions the choice of Xiaohongshu as not just a preference for a technological platform but as a form of resistance against the existing economic and political power structures, deeply reflecting the complex socio-political attitudes underlying cross-cultural communication. In Example 6, the article addresses misconceptions about China's \"Great Firewall\" and clarifies that the \"wall\" does not block all cross-border information but regulates foreign websites that do not comply with Chinese law. This explanation not only responds to questions about how foreigners can freely use Xiaohongshu without being restricted by the wall, but also legitimizes China's internet policies, emphasizing their legality and necessity. Through this interpretation, the article underscores the legitimacy of China's actions and clarifies its policies regarding information exchange. Finally, Example 7 compares the healthcare systems of China and the US to further links the flaws in the US healthcare system with China's affordable healthcare costs, legitimizing the \"rebellious behavior\" of American youth as a natural reaction to dissatisfaction with the US social system. This legitimization strategy frames the choice of Xiaohongshu not merely as a cultural or technological preference but as an expression of deeper dissatisfaction with systemic inequalities in the US.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, WeChat subscription accounts employ the Addition strategy to construct a narrative that not only describes the behaviors and actions of users in the context of Sino-US cross-cultural exchanges but also provides a framework of motives and reactions that legitimize these behaviors. These reports frame cross-cultural exchange through political and cultural lenses, using re-contextualization and legitimization to create a narrative that highlights political dissatisfaction, cultural confrontation, and ideological conflict. This approach deepens the understanding of Sino-US exchanges, illustrating how personal actions are not only shaped by individual preferences but are also embedded in broader cultural, political, and social contexts.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eSince its launch in 2012, WeChat subscription accounts have quickly become a core component of China's new media ecosystem and have played a significant role in the media communication landscape. Through WeChat subscription accounts, government agencies, traditional media, businesses, and individuals can publish information, thus creating a \"mainstream media\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;self-media\" hybrid communication network. This network not only breaks through the \"one-way communication\" model of traditional media but also promotes \"decentralized\" communication, allowing ordinary users to voice their opinions through self-media, making them active participants in the dissemination process. In this study, we observed that, aside from official media accounts, many private companies and individual accounts also utilize this platform for information dissemination, further enriching the diversity of information flow.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticularly in the propagation of social ideologies, the role of WeChat subscription accounts cannot be overlooked. Traditional media have long played a leading role in guiding mainstream ideologies, but the rise of WeChat subscription accounts has allowed voices from different perspectives to circulate freely. Non-governmental organizations, scholars, grassroots activists, and other groups within civil society have used subscription accounts to publish challenging social issues, thus promoting the diversification of social ideologies. Among young people, many individuals or small teams with a strong sense of self-expression use subscription accounts to explore political, cultural, and economic topics, providing a new space for the diversity of social thought. However, our research analysis indicates that despite the diversity in the types of publishing entities (including official and private accounts), there is a significant tendency towards homogenization in the selection of themes, with a lack of depth and diversity in the content. For example, many subscription accounts focus on the interaction between Chinese and American netizens on platforms such as Xiaohongshu, choosing topics like \" reconciliation\" that give Chinese readers a sense of superiority. However, these topics are often analyzed only at a superficial level, lacking in-depth discussion of the broader implications of China-U.S. relations. While this superficial analysis can attract readers' attention, it does not truly address the core issues. Therefore, despite WeChat subscription accounts' contribution to the coverage and diversification of information, there are clear limitations in terms of content depth and ideological variety.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOn the other hand, WeChat subscription accounts also exhibit distinct advantages in language style and cultural integration. For example, when discussing the \"Tiktok refugees\" phenomenon, official media may use formal terms such as \"American netizens\" or \"TikTok users,\" whereas subscription accounts tend to use more familiar terms like \"American friends\" or \"ordinary Americans.\" This informal language style makes the content more engaging, easier to understand, and helps establish a closer emotional connection with readers. The localization of language and the friendly tone not only increase readers' interest but also make the transmission of information smoother, enhancing both the attractiveness and readability of the articles.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoreover, WeChat subscription accounts often interpret the social and political context surrounding issues. For instance, many subscription accounts, when discussing the \"Douyin refugees\" phenomenon, not only present the surface-level issue but also analyze the American political and social background behind it. This analysis, to some extent, satisfies the readers' psychological need, particularly by reinforcing their sense of superiority. Many subscription accounts use this strategy to gain a large number of reads in a short time, thereby increasing their influence. However, despite providing detailed descriptions of the American political context, these articles typically fail to analyze the underlying political system differences and the deeper social causes. In fact, the mechanism of WeChat subscription accounts dictates this approach: in order to attract a wider audience, subscription accounts are compelled to cater to the broader readership, often offering content that reinforces a sense of \"superiority.\" From a deeper perspective, the dissemination model and mechanism of WeChat subscription accounts reflect a reciprocal relationship between \"readers and subscription accounts,\" where each influences the other. To some extent, in order to meet the demands of readers, subscription accounts selectively present information, while readers filter content based on reading volume. This interaction leads to content becoming more entertainment-oriented and superficial, a trend that reveals the preferences of the Chinese WeChat subscription account audience. Most readers are inclined to consume content that enhances their psychological sense of superiority, particularly when the topics relate to politics, culture, or societal phenomena. Such emotionally-driven content tends to attract more attention.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn summary, although WeChat subscription accounts play a positive role in promoting information dissemination and the diversification of social ideologies, their content suffers from homogenization, superficiality, and a strategy of catering to readers' preferences. This phenomenon reflects the reliance on traffic and readership for subscription accounts' success, as well as readers' demand for emotional gratification and entertaining content. Moving forward, as WeChat subscription accounts continue to attract audiences, how they can make breakthroughs in depth and diversity remains an important issue to consider.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis paper has explored the significant role of WeChat subscription accounts in reporting cross-cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users, particularly in the context of the digital migration of TikTok users to Xiaohongshu amidst the legal challenges surrounding TikTok's presence in the U.S. Through a detailed examination of the intertextual strategies used in these articles, such as recontextualization, substitution, and addition, this study has shown how WeChat subscription accounts not only shape but also influence the discourse surrounding Sino-U.S. cultural interactions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeChat subscription accounts, as part of China\u0026rsquo;s digital media ecosystem, have emerged as key platforms for disseminating social ideologies and facilitating cultural exchange. They provide an essential avenue for discussions on international issues, particularly through the lens of political and cultural differences. In reporting on the migration of TikTok users\u0026mdash;often referred to as \"TikTok refugees\"\u0026mdash;WeChat subscription accounts have used intertextuality to incorporate diverse perspectives, including content from social media, mainstream news, and market analysis, to construct narratives that blend cultural and political narratives. These accounts have successfully framed Sino-American exchanges within the context of political tensions, particularly regarding digital platforms and governance, adding a layer of legitimacy to the discussions by incorporating political and socio-cultural factors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, despite their role in enhancing information dissemination, the content of WeChat subscription accounts tends to focus on politically charged, surface-level issues, while largely overlooking the deeper socio-cultural dimensions of Sino-U.S. relations. The articles often emphasize the immediacy of cultural exchanges, with a preference for topics like \" reconciliation\" or \"digital migration,\" and prioritize entertainment value over in-depth analysis. This tendency has led to a homogenization of content, where emotional appeal and reader engagement often outweigh the need for comprehensive discussion. As a result, the complexity of cross-cultural exchanges is simplified, reducing the potential for a nuanced understanding of the implications of these interactions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe interaction between readers and subscription accounts reveals a reciprocal influence: while accounts tailor their content to meet audience preferences for sensational, easily digestible information, readers, in turn, shape the focus of content through their preferences and engagement. This dynamic has led to an overall emphasis on issues that resonate emotionally, such as perceived cultural superiority, rather than deeper explorations of political or social disparities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, while WeChat subscription accounts play a vital role in shaping and disseminating social ideologies and facilitating cultural exchange, their content reflects a broader trend towards simplification and entertainment-driven narratives. The platform\u0026rsquo;s focus on broad audience appeal often sacrifices the depth and diversity needed to fully explore the intricacies of international cultural interactions. As digital media continues to evolve, it is crucial for WeChat subscription accounts to balance their appeal with more comprehensive, informed discussions that address the complexity of cross-cultural exchanges, offering a richer and more diverse perspective on global issues.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eShangzhen Zhu was responsible for literature review, manuscript writing, and data collection Hongli Wang provided overall guidance and contributed to the framework development.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAltahmazi, T. H. M. (2020). Creating realities across languages and modalities: Multimodal recontextualization in the translation of online news reports. 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Retrieved from https://static.www.tencent.com/uploads/2024/11/13/309f975d755016a10be34254968a1651.pdf\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThibault, J. (1991). Social Semiotics as Praxis. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTikTok. (2024, April 25). Statement on enactment of the TikTok ban. TikTok Newsroom. Retrieved from https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/statement-on-enactment-of-the-tiktok-ban-april-24-2024\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eT\u0026ouml;rnberg, A., \u0026amp; T\u0026ouml;rnberg, P. (2016). Combining CDA and topic modeling: Analyzing discursive connections between Islamophobia and anti-feminism on an online forum. Discourse \u0026amp; Society, 27(4), 401\u0026ndash;422. https://doi.org/10.1177/0957926516646445\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVan Dijk, A. (2008b). Discourse and power. Palgrave Macmillan.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVan Leeuwen, T. (2008a). Discourse and Practice: New Tools for Critical Discourse Analysis. New York: Oxford University Press.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVan Leeuwen, T. (2009). Discourse as the recontextualization of social practice: A guide. NA.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVan Leeuwen, T., \u0026amp; Wodak, R. (1999). Legitimizing immigration control: A discourse-historical analysis. Discourse Studies, 1(1), 83-118.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWu, J., Huang, S., Zheng, R. (2016). Recontextualization and transformation in media discourse: An analysis of the First-Instance Judgment of the Peng Yu Case. Discourse \u0026amp; Society, 27(4), 441-466. https://doi.org/10.1177/0957926516634547\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYilek, C. (2025, January 19). TikTok starts restoring service in the U.S. after shutting down over divest-or-ban law. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-restore-service-us-divest-or-ban-law\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"humanities-and-social-sciences-communications","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"palcomms","sideBox":"Learn more about [Humanities \u0026 Social Sciences Communications](http://www.nature.com/palcomms/)","snPcode":"41599","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/41599/3","title":"Humanities and Social Sciences Communications","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Nature AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"WeChat subscription accounts, Sino-American cultural exchange, Xiaohongshu, TikTok ban, digital migration, recontextualization","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6663147/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6663147/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis paper investigates the role of WeChat subscription accounts in reporting and shaping cross-cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users, particularly during the digital migration of TikTok users to Xiaohongshu due to legal challenges in the United States. The study focuses on the period from January 14 to January 28, 2025, when TikTok faced a potential shutdown and American users began flocking to Xiaohongshu. Using a qualitative analysis of 23 WeChat subscription account articles, the research explores how recontextualization strategies, including deletion, substitution, and addition, are employed to frame Sino-U.S. cultural interactions. The findings indicate that while these accounts effectively disseminate information and reflect political and cultural ideologies, the content tends to be surface-level and emotionally driven, often simplifying the complexities of cross-cultural exchanges. The study highlights the reciprocal relationship between readers and subscription accounts, where content is tailored to meet audience preferences, reinforcing narratives of cultural superiority and emotional appeal. In conclusion, while WeChat subscription accounts play a crucial role in shaping discourse, their focus on entertainment and reader engagement limits the depth and diversity needed to fully explore the implications of international cultural interactions.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Recontextualizing Cultural Exchanges: The Role of WeChat Subscription Account in Shaping Sino-U.S. Digital Migration Discourse","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-06-25 09:09:31","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6663147/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-27T13:19:57+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-12T19:15:12+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-07T13:35:45+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"229528779628979297433368127549285958659","date":"2026-03-30T05:48:14+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"33716217918698688357739007651281777748","date":"2026-03-28T09:34:30+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"144930640168583893428418940401934740140","date":"2026-03-26T16:38:32+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"270314657922358821647614803365036420418","date":"2026-03-26T14:46:45+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-10-28T11:09:10+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-07-30T05:51:17+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"326664196888293795895670209010642307228","date":"2025-06-24T03:02:53+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-06-23T09:56:08+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-05-25T11:51:35+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-05-25T11:51:28+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Humanities and Social Sciences Communications","date":"2025-05-14T10:20:19+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"humanities-and-social-sciences-communications","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"palcomms","sideBox":"Learn more about [Humanities \u0026 Social Sciences Communications](http://www.nature.com/palcomms/)","snPcode":"41599","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/41599/3","title":"Humanities and Social Sciences Communications","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Nature AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"6097c7cc-a334-464e-b411-d1086d4330fd","owner":[],"postedDate":"June 25th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[{"id":50487739,"name":"Social science/Language and linguistics"},{"id":50487740,"name":"Humanities/Cultural and media studies"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-06-25T09:09:31+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-06-25 09:09:31","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6663147","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6663147","identity":"rs-6663147","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}