this post was submitted on 26 Sep 2025
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cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/38101225

Imagine this: you walk into a public restroom in China, but instead of just grabbing toilet paper… you have to scan a QR code and watch an ad first 😅. Only then will the machine dispense a tiny sheet of tissue. Don’t feel like watching? You can also pay 0.5 RMB (about $0.07) for a bit more paper 💸. This system is designed to cut down waste — some people would abuse free paper before. Now, it’s all about “watch an ad or pay a coin.” Would you sit through an ad for free toilet paper, or just drop the 0.5 yuan? 👀 . . .

Source: China Insider on Instagram.

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[–] viking@infosec.pub 25 points 1 day ago (1 children)

As someone who lived in China for 7 years, the alternative is that the next best person who enters the bathroom takes all available paper home.

In my entire time there, I can count the number of times where paper was available on a single hand, with spare fingers.

Naturally, everybody carries a box of tissues at all times.

[–] T00l_shed@lemmy.world 5 points 15 hours ago (1 children)

I've been told that China is so prosperous, why would there be no toilet paper‽

[–] viking@infosec.pub 6 points 6 hours ago (1 children)

China is prosperous, don't let anybody fool you. But people are deeply, inherently selfish and love money more than everything (yay, communism!), so if they can save 30 cents by taking a roll of toilet paper home, they will.

[–] T00l_shed@lemmy.world 2 points 6 hours ago

Yes, certain people in China are prosperous no doubt