困在流量中的村支书们：争议、焦虑与更值得关注的问题

Core Viewpoint - The rise of village leaders using short videos to promote local tourism and agricultural products has sparked both interest and controversy, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in rural economic development through social media engagement [2][3][22]. Group 1: Village Leaders and Short Video Promotion - Since March, village leaders across China have increasingly engaged in short video platforms to promote local tourism and agricultural products, aiming to boost sales and industry development [2][4]. - Some village leaders, like Guan Zuping from Hatsishi Village, have successfully garnered significant followings and engagement on platforms like Douyin, with Guan achieving 240,000 followers and an average of 40,000 likes per video [4][5]. - The trend has led to a surge in interest, with Douyin search index for "village leader" increasing by 202% recently, indicating a growing phenomenon [18]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Challenges - Guan Zuping reported a sales volume of approximately 10 million yuan from agricultural products through live streaming, significantly improving local infrastructure and increasing villagers' incomes [6][10]. - Despite the initial success, the actual conversion rate from views to sales remains low, with Guan's live streams attracting 200,000 to 300,000 viewers but struggling to translate that into substantial sales [8][10]. - The competitive landscape for short video content has intensified, making it difficult for grassroots leaders to sustain their efforts without professional support and resources [10][21]. Group 3: Controversies and Public Perception - The approach of village leaders has faced criticism for lacking cultural depth and potentially damaging their image, with some arguing that it could lead to a trivialization of their roles [3][22]. - Conversely, there is recognition that without promotion, rural areas may remain unknown, and the efforts of these leaders should not be dismissed outright [3][22]. - The debate continues on the balance between effective promotion and maintaining the dignity of public service roles, with some experts advocating for a supportive approach to these initiatives as a means of rural economic development [26][27].