夸夸群 (kuākuāqún): Praise-seeking chat groups

Kuakuaqun, social media chat groups that people pay a little money to join and are paid to show kindness, support and comfort to others in the group, have become popular with young people.

According to media reports, the first such online praise group was formed by a few users of Douban, one of the major online social networks, for fun. However, the idea has caught on and praise-seeking chat groups have become popular among college students across the country.

Recently, other netizens have picked up on the trend, especially youngsters. And now it has become a phenomenon that countless people pay for compliments from strangers.

Experts have said that the popularity of the flattery chat groups reflects the users' stressful, anxious and lonely mentalities and their need for psychological support. To some extent, they said, it creates a positive and friendly environment for people that may help them regain confidence. But the experts also warn participants to keep a clear understanding about themselves despite the compliments from the strangers.