Forced out while observing 'losers'' haven in China

A Helsingin Sanomat journalist encountered aggressive expulsion while trying to observe a gathering of unemployed young men in Zunyi, China. The group, described by the publication as "losers," congregates in internet cafes, such as one named "Tennis Cafe," where they engage in live streaming. Their income is derived from donations made by viewers watching their online broadcasts. The incident underscores a facet of Chinese society that the authorities may not wish to be widely observed. The young men are depicted as lacking employment, direction, and stable living situations. The article portrays their reliance on internet cafes not just for gaming, but as a space for survival, offering free food, drink, and cigarettes, contingent on viewer contributions. The scene described involves a man, identified as Mr. Zhang, energetically addressing an audience through a microphone, orchestrating this unique method of earning money. This situation reveals a segment of the population navigating precarious circumstances through digital means, highlighting the challenges faced by marginalized youth in contemporary China.

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This China would not have wanted us to see: Modern beggars gather in an internet cafe, perform live, and eat if viewers donate.