Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the enduring appeal and unique culture of Baidu Tieba, highlighting the community of users known as "Tieba Laoge" who contribute to its vibrant atmosphere and grassroots spirit [1][10][17]. Group 1: Community Dynamics - Baidu Tieba has over 20 million active forums, with 70% of its users being male, referred to as "Tieba Laoge" [1][2]. - The community is characterized by a mix of humor, support, and knowledge-sharing, where users engage in various topics from personal issues to complex subjects like quantum mechanics [4][5][10]. - Tieba Laoge often provide emotional support and practical advice, creating a sense of camaraderie and understanding among users [5][6][17]. Group 2: Historical Significance - Established in 2003, Baidu Tieba was one of the first interactive platforms in the Chinese internet landscape, allowing users to create forums based on shared interests [7][10]. - The platform played a significant role in the rise of grassroots internet culture in China, enabling users to freely express their thoughts without centralized control [7][10]. - Tieba's influence peaked during events like the "Super Girl" talent show in 2005, which significantly increased user engagement and traffic [8][9]. Group 3: Cultural Impact - Tieba has been a breeding ground for internet memes and cultural phenomena, with many popular phrases and trends originating from its discussions [9][10]. - The platform has maintained a unique identity, contrasting with more polished social media by fostering a raw and genuine user experience [15][17]. - Despite the rise of other platforms, Tieba continues to thrive due to its authentic community and the enduring appeal of its "Laoge spirit" [10][17]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Baidu is reportedly planning to revitalize Tieba by restoring older posts and enhancing user engagement, aiming to recapture the platform's original spirit [15][18]. - The community's grassroots nature and emotional connections among users are seen as key factors for its continued relevance in the evolving digital landscape [17][18].