In China, a new system at public restrooms is compelling users to watch advertisements in order to access toilet paper. The mechanism, which has been highlighted in a video by the media outlet China Insider, shows a woman scanning a QR code to activate the toilet paper dispenser. After scanning, users can either pay a small fee or view an advertisement to receive bathroom tissue.
The context of this development is complex. While the exact location of the video is not disclosed, it raises questions about the balance between public resources and user behavior. The introduction of this system is presented as a solution to combat toilet paper theft, which has been a persistent issue in the country. According to China Insider, the initiative aims to reduce waste caused by individuals taking excessive amounts of toilet paper.
Addressing a Social Issue
The issue of toilet paper theft in China has been documented for several years. A 2017 report by the New York Times detailed how park managers in popular tourist destinations found their supplies rapidly depleting, often due to local residents exploiting the free resources. One manager noted that tourists were not the primary culprits; rather, it was locals who misused the system.
He Zhiqiang, a service worker interviewed by the New York Times, emphasized the need to prevent waste, stating, “The people who steal toilet paper are greedy. Toilet paper is a public resource.” This sentiment reflects a broader cultural attitude shaped by decades of poverty, leading some individuals to take advantage of publicly available goods.
The Changing Face of Public Restrooms
In many areas of China, public restrooms have historically operated on a “bring your own toilet paper” (BYOTP) basis. This practice has made well-stocked facilities prime targets for theft. While there are signs of change, particularly in tourist-heavy regions, the integration of advertising technology appears to be a temporary measure to encourage responsible usage of public amenities.
As the public adapts to this new system, the intersection of technology and public resources will continue to evolve. The feasibility of such an approach raises broader questions about consumer habits and the management of communal goods in rapidly modernizing societies.
The use of advertisements in exchange for essential items might seem unusual, yet it reflects the ongoing tension between capitalism and public service in contemporary China. As the country navigates its unique economic landscape, such innovations could become more commonplace, merging technology with everyday needs in unexpected ways.
