Chinese snack vendor targeted by vloggers sparks 'camera bullying' debate

A 92-year-old snack vendor from southwestern China has sparked a debate over online exploitation after vloggers deliberately provoked her to produce sensational videos presenting her as an “evil granny.”

This case mirrors a similar “camera bullying” incident last November, where tourists filmed an elderly woman from the Yi ethnic group in traditional clothing on a train, despite her apparent discomfort.

“Camera bullying” refers to the act of filming individuals without their consent to garner online views, with critics highlighting the potential emotional damage it can cause.

This issue transcends China’s borders. On TikTok, some teenagers have popularised the “flip the camera” prank, which involves pretending to ask strangers for help filming them before secretly turning the camera around to capture the passers-by’s awkward reactions.

The recent controversy revolved around grandmother Xue, a vendor in Chengdu, Sichuan province, who sells egg-baked pancakes on the street after losing her son to illness. Her determination has garnered support from local residents.