On this day in 2017, the truth was fake

On This Day in 2017, "The Truth was Fake": A Social Media Saga Unfolds

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10 October 2023

On July 9th, 2017, a series of posts and comments on Chinese social media platform Weibo sparked a fascinating conversation about the blurred lines between truth, falsehood, and perception. The topic revolved around a couple (CP) - an amusing abbreviation for "couple" in Chinese internet culture - whose relationship was portrayed as both genuine and fake. This phenomenon became known as "the truth is false."

The Weibo post by user "Aming" caught the attention of many netizens, including a Sina Entertainment video that showcased an amusing revelation: "Do you have any clips from the truth is false of your CPs? 'All your gentleness are fake, love is also all fake, what you witness, hugs are all fake, and the speculations of missing are fake.'" This post prompted a wave of reactions, with some netizens expressing amusement at the irony of the situation while others were more critical.

One user humorously wrote, "Haha, this song is really painful and enjoyable. However, there are no suitable pairs available lately for collation." Another user added, "This song really hits the heart. I like this couple no matter how their ending is, I always believe in the days they have spent together." These comments highlighted the emotional connection some netizens had with the CP and their on-screen romance, despite its perceived authenticity.

The post gained significant traction, garnering over 100,000 comments on Netease Cloud Music and becoming a trending topic. However, there were also those who expressed skepticism about the nature of reality in the virtual world. One user commented, "Some truths are true, some truths are false. The truth is false with more than 100,000 comments on Netease Cloud Music, while the truth is true only with 10,000 or less." This statement underlined the dichotomy of perception and truth in the digital age.

The phenomenon was not limited to just these comments; it also influenced other related content. For instance, a couple known as "Shen Ma" gained prominence due to their on-screen chemistry. Netizens celebrated their relationship by using a song titled "Those Moments of Pure and Beautiful Feelings." This song was used in various fan-made videos featuring the Shen Ma couple, further solidifying their status as one of the most beloved CPs among fans.

The conversation ultimately led to a philosophical discussion about truth, falsehood, and perception. One user pondered, "Who can say what's real among fools? True and false, it makes no difference." Another netizen commented, "What's this, a book or a play?" These remarks reflected the broader implications of the "truth is false" phenomenon, challenging traditional notions of truth and authenticity in the digital age.

In conclusion, on July 9th, 2017, Chinese social media platforms were filled with discussions about perception, reality, and the fluid nature of truth within the context of virtual relationships. The phenomenon of "the truth is false" served as a reminder of how easily our perceptions can be influenced by the digital world around us, blurring lines between what's real and what's not.