China wants ‘killjoys’ out of the Internet

International

CHINA has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at cleaning up what it calls “killjoy” content from its internet, targeting online posts that spread negativity, pessimism, or social frustration.

The initiative, led by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), is set to run for two months and is the latest in a long series of efforts by Chinese authorities to control public opinion in the digital space.

In a report by BBC, the CAC said the goal of the campaign is to promote a “positive and healthy” online environment. Content that encourages hopelessness, such as the belief that hard work or education is meaningless, will be removed.

Authorities argue that such sentiments are damaging to the mindset of young people and harmful to overall social stability — especially in a time when China is facing economic challenges and growing public dissatisfaction.

This new initiative specifically targets social media platforms, news websites, and online forums. Platforms like Weibo, Xiaohongshu, Kuaishou, and ByteDance’s Toutiao are under pressure to filter out negative trends and sentiment. The campaign will also scrutinize algorithms that recommend trending topics, ensuring that “unhealthy” or “depressing” themes do not gain traction.

The CAC has already summoned several major tech companies for meetings, warning them about the consequences of allowing “killjoy” content to spread.

Companies that fail to comply may face penalties, including fines, suspension of features, or even the removal of apps from stores. Content moderators are being tasked with identifying and removing posts that convey pessimism about life, work, or society — even if the posts are based on real experiences.

Critics argue that the term “killjoy” is vague and can be used to suppress free expression. By labeling emotional or critical content as harmful, the government may be discouraging honest discussion about real social issues.

Supporters of the campaign, however, believe it is necessary to combat negativity and keep the internet from becoming a breeding ground for discontent. They argue that excessive online complaining and cynicism can lower public morale, especially among the youth, and should be controlled to maintain order and unity in society.