Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of Zhang Xuefeng, who has gained popularity by providing emotional value to parents and students, acting as a "mouthpiece" for their frustrations and aspirations in the education sector [5][9]. Summary by Sections Zhang Xuefeng's Situation - Zhang Xuefeng's main account has been banned on various platforms, but his smaller accounts continue to operate, suggesting potential for a comeback [5]. - His rise to fame is attributed to his ability to articulate the sentiments of millions of parents and students, providing them with emotional comfort [5]. Emotional Value vs. Professional Value - Zhang's statements, such as the lack of future in journalism and the importance of hard work in high school, resonate emotionally but lack substantive professional insight [6][7]. - The appeal of his messages lies in their emotional resonance rather than their factual accuracy, as they reflect widespread frustrations with the education system [7][8]. Role as a "Mouthpiece" - Zhang Xuefeng serves as a voice for parents who feel disillusioned with the media and education, allowing them to express their grievances [8]. - His motivational speeches to high school students are more impactful than traditional advice from teachers, as he embodies a successful figure that students can relate to [8][9]. Market for Educational Consulting - Zhang's services create an illusion of a shortcut for parents seeking to navigate the complexities of college admissions and career choices for their children [9][10]. - He capitalizes on the desire of Chinese parents to control their children's futures, offering them a sense of agency through his consulting services [10]. Information Gap and Trends - Despite claims of possessing unique insights, Zhang's advice often lacks originality and is reactive to prevailing trends in education and job markets [10][11]. - The article suggests that his influence is based on providing emotional value rather than genuine expertise, as he adapts his messages to align with current societal sentiments [11]. Conclusion on KOL Dynamics - The article concludes that the role of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) like Zhang Xuefeng is increasingly about providing emotional support rather than delivering expert knowledge, reflecting a broader trend in social media [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and potential fall of Zhang Xuefeng, a popular figure in the education consulting space, highlighting his role as a "voice" for parents and students, and the emotional value he provides rather than technical expertise [1][2][9] Group 1: Zhang Xuefeng's Influence - Zhang Xuefeng's accounts on various internet platforms have been banned, but his smaller accounts continue to operate, suggesting potential for a comeback [1] - He has gained popularity by voicing sentiments that resonate with parents and students, acting as a "mouthpiece" for their frustrations and aspirations [2][4] - His statements, such as the lack of future in journalism and the importance of hard work in high school, have been widely shared, despite lacking substantial professional content [2][3] Group 2: Emotional Value vs. Technical Expertise - The emotional value provided by Zhang Xuefeng has led to a significant following, as he articulates common frustrations with the education system [2][6] - His ability to connect with audiences through emotionally charged rhetoric has overshadowed the lack of unique insights or information [6][7] - The article suggests that the blending of "professional value" and "emotional value" is a common trend in the social media era, where consumers often seek emotional satisfaction rather than genuine expertise [9] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Parental Behavior - Zhang Xuefeng's services cater to the desires of Chinese parents who seek shortcuts for their children's educational paths, reflecting a broader cultural tendency [5] - The article critiques the lack of proactive engagement from parents in understanding educational choices, which Zhang Xuefeng exploits by offering seemingly easy solutions [5][6] - The changing job market and the devaluation of degrees have made parents more reliant on figures like Zhang Xuefeng for guidance, despite the questionable validity of his advice [3][4]

Core Insights - The survey indicates that engineering (26.9%), economics (14.8%), and science (14.7%) are the most popular fields chosen by students for their college applications [1][3][6] - A significant 32.6% of families with students have a clear career plan when filling out college applications, which influences their choices [1][4][6] Group 1: Popular Fields of Study - Engineering is the most selected major category, followed by economics and science, with law also being a notable choice [3][4] - If given another chance, 30.9% of respondents would still choose engineering, indicating its strong appeal [3] Group 2: Decision-Making Factors - Families consider various factors when selecting majors, including job prospects, personal interests, and academic performance [2][5] - The majority of families (62.2%) refer to school admission websites or provincial examination guides, while 58.0% rely on advice from parents or friends [5] Group 3: Demographics of Respondents - The survey included a diverse demographic, with 36.9% male and 63.1% female respondents, and 25.5% being current high school students [6]