Stop rumors via WeChat

WeChat is based on real life social networks, which means users generally follow private and public accounts trusted by them; therefore they also tend to more easily believe rumors spread via the platform. Besides, WeChat stresses privacy and allows comments to be viewed by followers only, which in practice has weakened its self-purifying ability as fewer users can see comments that refute rumors.

WeChat users need to raise their awareness about rumors, too, as many have the habit of forwarding information without checking its veracity, thus helping rumors to spread.

Li Xinran, analyst of Enfodesk, Beijing Times, Aug 7