Recent innovations in public facilities in China have raised eyebrows as new toilet paper dispensers now require users to watch advertisements to gain access to bathroom tissue. This development reflects a blend of modern technology and social issues within the country. A video shared by China Insider, a media outlet co-produced by anti-China groups NTD and The Epoch Times, showcased a woman scanning a QR code on a dispenser to activate it. After scanning, she could either pay a small fee or view an advertisement.
The exact location of this particular toilet paper dispenser remains unclear, as the video does not specify whether it is situated in a private establishment, such as a McDonald’s, or in a public setting like a subway station. This ambiguity highlights the broader context of public restroom facilities in China, where access to toilet paper is not always guaranteed.
China Insider explains that the implementation of this system aims to curb waste, as instances of misuse have been reported in the past. The practice of taking excessive amounts of toilet paper has been a persistent issue, particularly in high-traffic areas. A report from the New York Times in 2017 noted that park managers often faced challenges with local residents exploiting free supplies of toiletries. One manager revealed that the primary culprits were not tourists, but locals taking advantage of the public resource.
In interviews conducted at the time, local service worker He Zhiqiang stated, “The people who steal toilet paper are greedy. Toilet paper is a public resource. We need to prevent waste.” This sentiment reflects a societal concern that has developed in a country where decades of poverty have influenced attitudes towards public goods.
The trend of requiring payment or advertisement viewing to access toilet paper marks a shift in how public amenities are managed in China. Many public restrooms operate under a “bring your own toilet paper” (BYOTP) policy, making well-equipped facilities particularly susceptible to misuse. While this practice is slowly changing, especially in tourist-heavy locations, the introduction of advertising as a deterrent against waste showcases how technology is being integrated into public services.
As the country continues to navigate its economic transition, the intersection of capitalism and public services remains a topic of interest. The reliance on advertising to regulate access to basic necessities raises questions about consumer behavior and the evolving landscape of public amenities in China.
In summary, the new toilet paper dispensers offering advertisements in exchange for access highlight a unique blend of technology and social challenges within China’s public restroom facilities. As the nation grapples with issues of waste and resource management, this innovation may be a sign of broader changes to come in the realm of public services.
