This comes from Nico Nico (some Japanese video site) and is basically like a live stream chat but overlaid on the video.

There’s definitely some argument about groupthink but you don’t need coordinated state propoganda for that, people end up doing that anyways

When the result of the groupthink is centrally controlled, it opens up a big avenue for manipulation, though. I mean, it's not that different from traditional media telling you "what people think", but probably feels more real because it's interactive.

The article actually mentions this concept was invented in Japan not China; and what about that agenda pushing thing? Like you can't use any other form of comment system to fake a social reaction and push an agenda.

There's an interesting article that gives detailed insight into a certain part of the culture of young people in China but let's just ignore all that and go "durr hurr dem commies"

the article also highlights the Chinese government's interest in the phenomenon. the risk of this "drug" being used against the people is pretty realistic in China over places where the internet is free and open.