Core Insights - The 2025 World Internet Conference has commenced in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, with a focus on "Internet Innovation and Persistence" led by Zhang Chaoyang, founder and CEO of Sohu [1] Group 1: Talent and Research Integration - Zhang Chaoyang emphasized that talent is crucial for integrating basic research with industry, noting that many engineers in large companies rely on existing experience rather than understanding the underlying principles of technology [3] - He suggested that hiring individuals with backgrounds in physics or basic scientific research as chief scientists in R&D teams could enhance understanding and lead to optimized production processes and innovative manufacturing [3] Group 2: Sohu's Business Focus - Sohu is currently concentrating on traditional consumer internet sectors, particularly in media and social aspects, with a focus on its core social product, "Attention Flow," which is built around PGC, UGC, and Vlog short videos [3] - The "Attention Flow" platform aims to create a diverse ecosystem that includes humorous, useful, and visually appealing content [3] Group 3: Social Interaction and Content Strategy - Zhang highlighted that "Attention Flow" is not just about video interactions but also emphasizes human relationships, differentiating itself from algorithm-driven recommendations [4] - Sohu Video is pursuing a dual approach to enhance its ecosystem, including offline social events and a diverse content strategy to boost user engagement [4] - The company plans to restart its American drama strategy and will combine short and long-form content, operating popular vertical short dramas while also producing horizontal short dramas [4]

Core Insights - The 2025 World Internet Conference has commenced in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, with a focus on "Internet Innovation and Persistence" led by Sohu's founder Zhang Chaoyang [1] Group 1: Talent and Research Integration - Zhang Chaoyang emphasized that talent is crucial for integrating basic research with industry, suggesting that hiring individuals with a background in physics or basic science as chief scientists can enhance R&D teams' understanding of underlying principles [3] - He noted that many engineers in large companies rely on existing experience and formulas, lacking deep exploration of technical principles, which can hinder innovation [3] Group 2: Sohu's Business Focus - Sohu is currently concentrating on traditional consumer internet sectors, particularly in media and social aspects, with a focus on its core social product "Attention Flow" [3] - "Attention Flow" is designed around PGC, UGC, and Vlog short videos, creating a diverse ecosystem that includes humorous, useful, and visually appealing content [3] Group 3: Social Interaction and Content Strategy - Zhang highlighted that "Attention Flow" prioritizes interpersonal relationships over mere content consumption, differentiating itself from algorithm-driven recommendations [4] - Sohu Video is enhancing real-life social interactions through offline events while also diversifying its content ecosystem to boost user engagement [4] - The company plans to revive its American drama strategy and will combine short and long-form content, including both vertical and horizontal short dramas [4]

Core Insights - Sohu's current business focus remains on consumer internet, particularly in media and social aspects, with an emphasis on "Attention Flow" as a core social product [1] - Attention Flow is designed to create a premium vertical platform around PGC, UGC, and Vlog short videos, featuring diverse content types such as humorous, useful, and visually appealing [1] - The approach prioritizes interpersonal connections over algorithmic recommendations, aiming to avoid information silos and foster real-world social interactions [1] Attention Flow Ecosystem Development - Sohu Video is advancing its ecosystem through a dual-path strategy, enhancing real-life social interactions via offline events like spring and autumn broadcaster conferences [2] - The company is also diversifying its content ecosystem to boost user engagement, including the revival of its American drama strategy to enrich the Attention Flow ecosystem [2] - Sohu Video plans to combine short and long content formats, operating popular vertical short dramas while also producing horizontal short dramas [2]

Core Insights - Zhang Chaoyang, founder and CEO of Sohu, emphasizes the importance of viewing AI as an efficiency tool rather than a strategic core, advocating for a return to the essence of social interaction in business [2][3] - Sohu is focusing on consumer internet and social media, particularly through its "Attention Flow" product, which prioritizes human relationships over mere content consumption [8][9] Group 1: AI and Business Strategy - Zhang believes that the key to long-term business success is prioritizing cash flow and rational investment decisions, warning against the dangers of excessive debt [3] - He argues that while AI can enhance efficiency, it should not replace human thought processes, as over-reliance on AI may hinder logical thinking and understanding [5][6] - The company does not engage in large model development, distinguishing its approach from competitors heavily investing in AI [2] Group 2: Evolution of the Internet - The internet has evolved from PC to mobile, with significant changes in content consumption methods, moving from text to video and AI-generated content [4] - Zhang highlights the shift from traditional content platforms to social media, where user-generated content is becoming increasingly important [4] Group 3: Challenges and Governance in AI - Zhang identifies significant challenges posed by AI, including defamation, extortion, and privacy issues, which could lead to a proliferation of false information [7] - He suggests that legal frameworks will need to evolve to address new forms of infringement and establish clear responsibilities for platforms [7] Group 4: Sohu's Strategic Focus - Sohu is committed to enhancing its media and video social sectors, with plans to restart its strategy for acquiring American TV shows and movies to enrich its "Attention Flow" ecosystem [8][9] - The company aims to create a social graph that emphasizes real human interactions rather than just content streams, positioning itself as a "real relationship platform" [9]