Recent developments in public restroom technology in China have sparked curiosity and debate. New toilet paper dispensers in various locations are requiring users to either watch advertisements or pay a small fee to access toilet paper. This unusual approach has been highlighted in a video shared by China Insider, an outlet co-produced by NTD and The Epoch Times, which is known for its critical stance toward the Chinese government.
The video depicts a woman scanning a QR code with her mobile device to activate a toilet paper dispenser. After scanning, she faces a choice: pay a nominal fee or view an advertisement. While this system may seem unconventional, it operates efficiently, requiring only a few seconds to engage with the content. The exact locations where these dispensers are implemented remain unclear, as the video does not specify whether they are situated in private establishments, such as McDonald’s, or in public areas like subway stations or shopping malls.
Addressing Waste and Abuse
The introduction of this system is reportedly aimed at minimizing waste, as previous iterations of free toilet paper distribution led to significant abuse. According to China Insider, the trend of toilet paper theft is a long-standing issue in the country. A 2017 article by the New York Times detailed how park managers in popular tourist locations struggled to maintain toilet paper supplies, finding that local residents often exploited the free resources available.
He Zhiqiang, a service worker interviewed by the New York Times, stated, “The people who steal toilet paper are greedy. Toilet paper is a public resource. We need to prevent waste.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern in China, where decades of poverty have fostered a mentality among some individuals to take advantage of publicly available goods.
Public access to toilet paper is not guaranteed in many parts of China. The norm in numerous public bathrooms is for visitors to bring their own toilet paper, known as BYOTP. Although some improvements are being made, particularly in areas frequented by tourists, the introduction of advertising technology may serve as a temporary measure until a more sustainable solution is found.
The Role of Advertising Technology
The innovative use of advertising technology raises questions about privacy and user experience in public spaces. As companies like Samsung explore ways to integrate digital advertisements into everyday items, the inclusion of ads in public restrooms may become a common phenomenon. This trend illustrates a growing intersection between consumer technology and public services, prompting discussions about the implications for user behavior and resource management.
While the efficacy of this advertising model in public toilets remains to be seen, it reflects a broader trend of adapting to consumer needs while addressing issues of waste and resource allocation. As China continues to navigate the complexities of modernization and public service management, these new toilet paper dispensers may represent both a practical solution and a curious commentary on the evolving landscape of consumerism in the country.