Core Viewpoint - The rapid increase in followers for Wei Dongyi on Douyin highlights the phenomenon of "celebrity creation" driven by public fascination and platform algorithms, particularly in the context of the Chinese education system and societal pressures surrounding exams [3][4][5][10]. Group 1: Follower Growth and Public Reaction - Wei Dongyi's Douyin account gained over 23 million followers in just four days, a feat that even top celebrities struggle to match [3][5]. - The timing of the account's launch coincided with the high school entrance exam period, leading to speculation about leveraging exam-related anxiety for follower growth [3][4]. - The public's reaction includes a mix of admiration and unrealistic expectations, as many parents express hopes for their children's academic success through comments on Wei's videos [6][7][8]. Group 2: Platform Dynamics - Douyin's user base exceeds 1 billion monthly active users, providing a vast audience for content creators like Wei Dongyi [16]. - The platform's strategy includes promoting educational content, which aligns with Wei's expertise, thus benefiting from his popularity [17][18]. - Other platforms like Bilibili and Xiaohongshu have not seen comparable follower growth for Wei, indicating Douyin's unique position in reaching a broader audience [13][15]. Group 3: The "Celebrity Creation" Phenomenon - The phenomenon of "celebrity creation" around Wei Dongyi reflects a societal tendency to idolize individuals who excel academically, often leading to unrealistic expectations from the public [4][9][24]. - The narrative surrounding Wei includes various myths and exaggerated claims about his lifestyle and achievements, contributing to his "god-like" status [8][25]. - The pressure of public adoration can lead to a disconnect between the expectations placed on Wei and his actual life experiences, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals thrust into the spotlight [26][30]. Group 4: Commercialization and Future Prospects - Despite the immense popularity, Wei Dongyi and his family have expressed a reluctance to commercialize his online presence, focusing instead on maintaining a genuine connection with his audience [19][24]. - Potential avenues for monetization may include partnerships with educational platforms, but concerns about brand alignment and public perception complicate these opportunities [28][29]. - The emphasis remains on allowing Wei to focus on his academic pursuits without the distractions of commercial pressures, as articulated by representatives from Beijing University [30].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the public perception of mathematician Wei Dongyi, contrasting his achievements in mathematics competitions with the expectations of academic contributions, emphasizing the distinction between being a "problem solver" and a "mathematician" [7][72]. Group 1: Public Perception and Media Influence - Wei Dongyi's rise to fame is attributed to his relatable persona and media portrayal, which has led to a "cult of personality" around him, likening him to a modern-day mathematical hero [3][63]. - The public often conflates competition success with mathematical ability, overlooking the complexities of academic research [14][19]. - The media's sensationalism has contributed to the idolization of Wei, creating a narrative that may distort the understanding of true mathematical contributions [6][67]. Group 2: Distinction Between Competition and Academic Research - Achievements in competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) showcase problem-solving skills but do not equate to the innovative thinking required in academic research [10][11]. - Historical mathematicians are recognized not just for solving problems but for their foundational contributions to the field, which Wei has yet to achieve [13][15]. - The article argues that the public's focus on competition results can mislead them about the nature of mathematical research, which is often long-term and complex [14][19]. Group 3: Evaluation of Wei Dongyi's Contributions - If a hierarchy of mathematical contributions were established, Wei would likely fall into the seventh or eighth tier, indicating potential but not yet significant achievements [41][43]. - His research primarily focuses on partial differential equations and geometric analysis, with some notable contributions, but lacks groundbreaking discoveries recognized at the international level [80][88]. - The article suggests that while Wei has demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities, he has not yet made widely acknowledged theoretical advancements [72][78]. Group 4: Cultural and National Significance - The phenomenon surrounding Wei reflects a broader societal appreciation for mathematics as a cornerstone of modern civilization and national pride [94][96]. - His success in international competitions resonates with a collective sense of national achievement, contributing to a narrative of China's rising status in the mathematical world [70][71]. - The article posits that the public's fascination with Wei is not merely about individual talent but also about a deeper cultural respect for knowledge and intellectual pursuit [96][98].