The manicured illusion of China's streaming starlets

In China's live-streaming industry, the virtual girl-next-door is just a part of the show

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Do not believe everything you see on the internet.

(REUTERS/Thomas Peter)The entertainment can take different forms — like interactive gaming or online marketplaces with real-time salespeople — but at the heart of this internet phenomenon are young girls chatting casually from the comforts of their pink bedrooms to an audience of millions about life, love, and their favorite makeup and beauty products. But don't be fooled by that girl-next-door vibe. That's just a part of the show.

(Image credit: (REUTERS/Damir Sagolj)Tens of thousands of streaming starlets have joined the live-streaming industry hoping to get a job as an "anchor" and find fame online. To meet such a furious demand fo)

(Image credit: REUTERS/Thomas Peter)

(REUTERS/Thomas Peter)

(REUTERS/Damir Sagolj)

(REUTERS/Damir Sagolj)

(REUTERS/Thomas Peter)

(REUTERS/Thomas Peter)

(REUTERS/Damir Sagolj)

(REUTERS/Thomas Peter)

Kelly Gonsalves
Kelly Gonsalves

Kelly Gonsalves is a sex and culture writer exploring love, lust, identity, and feminism. Her work has appeared at Bustle, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and more, and she previously worked as an associate editor for The Week. She's obsessed with badass ladies doing badass things, wellness movements, and very bad rom-coms.

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