Zombies in China: Viral social media trend that got netizens terrified
If you’ve been keeping an eye on social media lately, you may have stumbled upon a viral trend claiming that there are zombies in China. Yes, you read that right – zombies! It sounds like something straight out of a horror movie, not so?
But is there any truth to this trend, or is it just a product of people’s overactive imaginations?
Table of Content hide 1What are zombies in China? 2Zombies in China TikTok trend 3Are there zombies in China? 4ConclusionWhat are zombies in China?
It is only fitting that we have a clear understanding of what zombies are before moving on to the major aspects of this article. Zombies are fictional undead creatures typically portrayed in horror and post-apocalyptic media. They are often depicted as reanimated corpses that have risen from the dead, with a hunger for human flesh or brains. The concept of zombies can be traced back to Haitian folklore and has evolved in popular culture, appearing in various forms of media such as movies, TV shows, video games, and literature.
Now, if these creatures are genuine and exist in China, as suggested by internet users, the globe would be facing a catastrophe that is far more serious than the coronavirus pandemic.
The recent news of a potential zombie outbreak in China has gained significant traction on social media platforms around the world. This has caused many users to express concern, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The trend appears to have originated from a speculative fiction article published in 2021, which explored how a zombie plague could potentially start in China, drawing comparisons to the Chernobyl (Chornobyl) disaster in the then Soviet Union (now Ukraine). This article became the basis for a series of TikTok videos, where creators attempted to convince viewers that an actual zombie outbreak had occurred in China.
While the concept of zombies may seem fictional and limited to movies and TV shows, recent viral news claiming the existence of zombies in China has intensified the situation. Several videos have surfaced, seemingly recorded amidst a zombie outbreak, further lending credence to the article’s claims. Social media users have also shared their theories on why they believe that zombies exist in the country.
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Zombies in China TikTok trend
The social networking site, TikTok, has been abuzz with a scary and allegedly true description of a zombie epidemic in China, which has netizens on the edge of their seats. The terrifying videos are spreading like wildfire, it shows frightened passengers fleeing a train during a supposed zombie outbreak in China.
One of the videos with the caption captioned “Virus in china!!! Zombies,” has garnered a massive 105.9 million views and 2.9 million likes as of April 3, 2023. This video, in particular, was the main reason for the recent panic among social media users globally and one of the main reasons for the TikTok trend.
In several TikTok videos, creators are seen trying to convince viewers that there has been an actual outbreak of zombies in China. The videos often feature footage from the supposed “Zombies in China” viral video, horror movies or self-made trick clips, and are accompanied by captions and hashtags like “Zombies in China” or “Virus in China.” The trend has also spread to other social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
As previously stated, the COVID-19 pandemic has left many on edge, and the popularity of the trend is a testament to people’s fascination with horror fiction and the potential for apocalyptic scenarios.
The trend has also been fueled by the popularity of TV shows like “The Last of Us,” an American post-apocalyptic drama TV series, which follows the events of a fungal virus outbreak and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent warnings regarding an emerging fungus that presents a global health threat.
In some cases, the trend has caused panic among people who believe that there has been an outbreak of zombies in China.
However, according to a prominent online source, the clip was recorded during a zombie-themed event, which was documented by AFP in Jakarta, Indonesia (not China). In reality, the footage does not show reactions to a virus, hence; the claims of a zombie invasion have already been proven to be nothing but a façade.
According to the AFP, the zombie-themed party where the video was recorded was inspired by the 2016 movie, “Train to Busan.” The event, dubbed “Train to Apocalypse,” was put on by the Jakarta Light Rail Transit and Pandora Box in 2022 and aimed to encourage young people to take public transport to combat the city’s traffic.
The event offered passengers an “experience as if they were being chased by zombies on a train like a scene in the film”. The videos that are being shared on social media platforms are from this event and do not show reactions to a virus, nor were they filmed in China.
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Are there zombies in China?
As much as a lot of people may believe that there might be a pinch of truth in regards to the Zombies in China rumours, the truth is, there are no actual zombies in China or anywhere else in the world. Zombies are purely fictional creatures.
While China does have a long history of folklore surrounding the concept of zombies, locally known as “jiangshi”, these are not actual undead creatures but rather mythical beings that are said to hop around and feed on the living. They are not based on any scientific evidence or reality.
Claims of actual zombies in China that circulated on social media in 2021 were found to be baseless and without any factual evidence. These claims were likely based on speculative fiction and popular culture that portrayed the idea of a zombie apocalypse happening in China.
It is important to be critical of sensationalised claims that lack evidence or credible sources. While it can be fun to indulge in fictional horror stories and fantasy, it’s important to distinguish fact from fiction and rely on reliable sources of information to stay informed.
Conclusion
While the idea of a zombie outbreak is intriguing, it is important to exercise caution and fact-check information before spreading it on social media. This trend highlights the importance of fact-checking information and being critical of what we see and hear on social media. False information can cause unnecessary fear and panic, and it is essential to verify the sources of information before sharing it with others.
Furthermore, it is important to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes and prejudices against any particular country or region. The zombie trend is not unique to China, it is worth noting that there are no actual zombies in China or anywhere else in the world.
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