围观“韦神” 一场与韦东奕无关的造神运动 | 新京报专栏
Xin Jing Bao·2025-06-12 00:05

Group 1 - Wei Dongyi, known as "Wei Shen," has set a world record for gaining the most followers in the academic field on Douyin within 72 hours, reaching over 24 million followers [1] - Despite the record, Wei Dongyi is reportedly indifferent to this honor and has refused media interviews, indicating that the public attention has affected him [1][3] - The short video account attributed to Wei Dongyi is managed by relatives, and his personal involvement is minimal, consisting of only a brief 4-second video with three sentences [1][3] Group 2 - The phenomenon surrounding Wei Dongyi has sparked a "cult of personality," with followers attributing various mythical qualities to him, despite his lack of participation in the college entrance examination [3][4] - This movement has led to commercial exploitation, with dental clinics using his image to promote their services, and criticisms directed at his employer, Peking University, regarding his health [3][4] - The public's reaction reflects a broader societal trend of idolizing scientists, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and pressures on individuals like Wei Dongyi [6][7] Group 3 - The idolization of scientists, while increasing public interest in science, can also result in detrimental effects on the scientific community, as seen in the historical context of figures like Chen Jingrun [7][8] - The article emphasizes the need for a balance between scientific admiration and respect for individual boundaries, advocating for improved cultural literacy to prevent fanaticism [9][10] - The case of Wei Dongyi serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of elevating individuals to a status they do not seek, highlighting the importance of respecting personal choices in the public sphere [10]

围观“韦神” 一场与韦东奕无关的造神运动 | 新京报专栏 - Reportify