Network Rumors Like a Knife: Don't Let "Traffic Over" Harm More "Fatty Donglai"

□ Big River Finance Reporter Chen Wei Wang Ningning

“Good is so difficult, far beyond my imagination!” On May 6th, upon Donglai, who had previously cleared out all content from his Douyin account, exclaimed. This lament expressed the helplessness of enterprises facing network rumors. Recently, Fatty Donglai has been subjected to relentless questioning and malicious criticism by "Chai Diao" (a popular Douyin creator), economist Song Qinghui, and another creator known as "Lying Uncle". These unfounded rumors are like a sharp knife, piercing the hearts of enterprises while also tearing apart the veil of network rumors.

In today's era of rapid internet development, the convenience of information dissemination has given every individual a "microphone" to express themselves. However, some individuals have been using this platform to pursue traffic and attention by fabricating false information and maliciously defaming enterprises. Fatty Donglai's experience is not an isolated case; Huawei was once affected by rumors about 5G technology safety risks, which led to difficulties in expanding its international market. Haibao Hot Pot and Liangpin Store also suffered significant losses due to rumors about the quality of their products.

These cases demonstrate that network rumors have become a "hidden reef" on the path to enterprise development, posing a threat that cannot be underestimated.

However, when faced with rumors, enterprises must navigate a difficult and arduous process of refuting them. Even if they ultimately clear up the facts through open information and technology demonstrations, their brand reputation is still likely to suffer, sales performance may decline, and they will have to bear significant costs for refutation.

As Fatty Donglai said, good enterprises are often overwhelmed by the difficulty of responding to rumors. Moreover, more and more "creators" and "experts" are using low-cost, low-bottom tactics to pursue traffic, releasing rumors that are not only unfounded but also harmful.

However, Fatty Donglai's response is a model for others to follow. When faced with rumors, the enterprise quickly opens up its operational data to crush unfounded rumors and takes decisive legal action against those responsible, defending its legitimate rights and interests. At the same time, it invites those who question Fatty Donglai to visit and conduct in-depth research, thereby dispelling misconceptions.

This open, transparent, and rational approach has won support from the enterprise's "backers". On May 6th, Yonghui Supermarket issued a statement supporting Fatty Donglai and firmly opposing behaviors that trample on commercial ethics. Douyin also removed infringing videos and limited violating account permissions, demonstrating the platform's determination to govern.

These actions demonstrate that enterprises and platforms are committed to a "zero-tolerance" attitude towards network rumors, not only setting a benchmark for the industry but also showcasing the importance of self-regulation in cyberspace.

However, creating a clear and bright online space requires concerted efforts from all parties. Enterprises must take Fatty Donglai as an example, facing rumors with courage and determination, while ordinary netizens should enhance their sense of self-discipline, establish correct values, and resist the temptation of traffic and attention.

As various online platforms exert greater influence, it is essential that they take their responsibilities seriously, improve content review mechanisms, and prevent unfounded rumors from spreading. Meanwhile, algorithms should be optimized to reduce the spread of bad information and increase the punishment for rumor-mongering accounts.

Government agencies must continue to crack down on law enforcement, not only punishing creators who release rumors but also strictly governing platforms that fail to regulate rumors effectively. By doing so, we can enhance the effectiveness of online governance and make cyberspace a safe and trustworthy space for all.