Why Chinese youth are turning to an 84-year-old Cambridge professor for support
Wearing a black mariner’s cap and with a wall-to-wall bookshelf as a backdrop, Cambridge University professor Alan Macfarlane greets his social media audience with a soft ni hao – “Hello” in Chinese. In his latest video, Macfarlane follows this signature opening by thoughtfully answering a question pulled from the comments: why has making genuine friends become so difficult? Few would have…
Cambridge University professor Alan Macfarlane, aged 84, has captured the hearts of Chinese youth by providing support and insights through his social media presence. With nearly 2.4 million followers on RedNote, 170,000 on Douyin, and 540,000 on Bilibili, Macfarlane's gentle and jargon-free reflections on various topics have resonated deeply within a fast-paced, high-pressure society.
His videos, which address subjects such as education, relationships, anxiety, artificial intelligence, and cultural understanding, have amassed millions of views. Through intimate Q&A sessions, Macfarlane has garnered a loyal following in China, affectionately referring to him as "Grandpa Cute" or "Dumbledore." By sharing his anthropological and historical perspectives, Macfarlane helps young Chinese individuals find relief in realizing that their personal struggles are shared by peers across different times and cultures.
As a visiting professor in China for 20 years, Macfarlane's deep familiarity with the country has been instrumental in his rapid growth on social media. His Cambridge background and distinct delivery style have also contributed to his appeal, as they make him feel relatable and approachable. The content of Macfarlane's social media presence not only offers personal solace but also fosters cross-cultural understanding, encouraging young viewers to actively explore diverse cultures and the depth of civilisations.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
