As the U.S. government enforces a ban on TikTok, many users are seeking alternative platforms, creating unprecedented opportunities for Chinese social media applications, particularly platforms like Xiaohongshu (RedNote). These platforms have seen a significant increase in downloads in the U.S. market, showcasing the global potential of Chinese…

The meritocratic ideal prescribes that universities should admit students based on academic ability and individual effort. Yet as competition for scarce slots has increased, markets for services to improve the odds of admission have expanded. We use the case of a popular online forum for elite Taiwanese students seeking graduate study in the…