by Brandon Berry Edwards and Kaj Vatsa
China is considered home to the world's factories, manufacturing everything from zippers to photovoltaic cells and with its population of over 1.3 billion and booming economy, consumerism is on the rise, too. But lets peak into the hidden layer of China's unique blend of creativity and tech innovation. There's the Shanzhai phenomenon - unique to China but even more interesting is looking at how Chinese consumers use technology differently, creating and combining platforms to suit the demands of a generation bred on instant gratification and constant connectivity.
Not only is China on course to having the #1 economy in the world, but it's also establishing itself as the most influential country in the world. Its 500 million strong internet user population makes up the single largest internet-using community in the world with almost 100 million more new users added each year. China, in many people's eyes, is regarded as an industrial nation with vast production capabilities that imitates but does not innovate. This panel will explore how China's digital landscape will change the lives of its population, and consequently, it's effect on our society and the rest of the world.Topics will include China's social networks, mobile platforms, music services, piracy, pop/meme culture, BBS society and changes in society due to digitalization.