A new public restroom system in China is sparking outrage online, with many users drawing comparisons to the dystopian world of Black Mirror. The innovative, yet frustrating, technology involves a QR code scanner that dispenses toilet paper only after users watch a 30-second advertisement.
The system, which has been making waves on Reddit, was showcased in a video by China Insider. In the clip, a user scans a QR code on a toilet roll dispenser, which then prompts a commercial. Once the ad ends, a few squares of toilet paper are released. If the user needs more, they must endure another ad unless they opt to pay a small fee—around 6 cents—to skip the advertisement and get additional paper.
Dystopian, Yet Practical?
While many Reddit users have been quick to criticize the system for its “Black Mirror” vibes, the technology is designed with a specific purpose in mind: reducing toilet paper wastage. Authorities believe that people tend to take more paper than necessary when it’s freely available, and this system aims to curb that behavior.
However, this system’s unsettling nature has not been lost on internet users. One person commented, “This would last about 5 seconds in America before it got smashed and the paper was just forcefully taken out.” Others jokingly threatened to destroy the dispensers on principle, adding fuel to the outrage. The overall reaction online has been a mixture of disbelief and frustration.
Chinese public toilet roll dispenser (Reddit)
A Cultural Context to Consider
Though the new system seems jarring to many outside of China, some users pointed out that public toilets in China don’t typically provide free toilet paper. “Lived in China for 7 years, this is an improvement,” said one commenter. In fact, many public toilets in China don’t supply toilet paper at all, so people are often advised to carry their own. This system, for some, represents a step forward in a country where basic necessities like toilet paper may not always be readily available in public restrooms.
Others familiar with China’s bathroom habits explained that it’s common for people to bring their own tissues or toilet paper when traveling. In some older buildings, the toilet systems are designed in such a way that paper is not flushed and must be disposed of in separate bins, further adding to the inconvenience. Additionally, soap is not always available in public restrooms, making it a necessity for travelers to bring their own hand sanitizer.
Reddit users are up in arms about this inconvenient technology (Reddit)
The ‘Black Mirror’ Connection
The comparisons to Black Mirror are not without merit. The show is known for exploring the dark side of technology, often highlighting how seemingly small innovations can spiral into dystopian nightmares. The toilet paper dispenser’s ad-watching requirement evokes a similar sense of unease, as it represents yet another intrusion of ads into our daily lives. For many, the thought of enduring a commercial just to access something as basic as toilet paper feels like an invasion of privacy.
Reactions Around the Globe
The reaction to the system has been mixed. While some Reddit users are horrified by the idea, others acknowledge that it could be a practical solution for managing resources in public spaces. However, the overwhelming sentiment seems to be one of frustration and disbelief.
In a country where public amenities often require a level of self-sufficiency, this new system might just be seen as another way for authorities to manage public resources. For others, though, it’s a glimpse into a future where every aspect of our lives—down to our bathroom habits—can be monetized and controlled.
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