Young livestreamers spark debate on ethics, regulation

No disturbance

In recent months, college students have become more active on livestreaming platforms. Some sing and dance, or share learning or travel experiences, while others help introduce and sell specialties from their hometowns. However, this phenomenon has sparked public controversy.

Some netizens have lauded the livestreaming, saying that it provides a platform for students to enrich their lives, earn pocket money and polish their communications skills.

But people like Ma argue that spending a significant amount of time on streaming not only disrupts young people's studies, but also has the potential to disturb other students.

A college junior in Pingdingshan, Henan province, for example, was discovered to have livestreamed 89 times within 25 days, including overnight for several days, according to Legal Daily.

Boluo Xingqiqi7, the Bilibili user, said he has always attached great importance to his livestreaming time, location and environment, "as my principle is not to disturb others."

"I livestream while traveling on trains, so it won't disturb my dormitory mates' rest," he said.

"On trains, I also make an effort to avoid filming train staff and other passengers for lengthy periods, because I don't want to cause them any inconvenience."

Lan Bing, a postgraduate student in the chemistry department at Peking University, said one of her classmates is a livestreamer. The classmate usually goes live in a laboratory after finishing his day's study and ensuring that other students have returned to their dormitories, Lan said.

"It's cool for college students to venture into this emerging business if it brings them happiness, a sense of fulfillment, and money," she said. "But it's important that they have enough time and energy for it, and that it doesn't interfere with their studies, or infringe upon others' privacy."