4 . TikTok, the widely popular social media platform, has taken the world by storm with its short-form videos and addictive content. But did you know that there is also a Chinese version of TikTok?

The Chinese version of TikTok is called Douyin, and it has quickly become one of the most widely used apps in China. Launched in 2016 by Beijing-based tech company ByteDance, Douyin has attracted an enormous user base and reshaped the social media landscape in China.

So, how did Douyin gain such vast popularity in China?

One of the factors contributing to Douyin’s success is the large population of smartphone users in China. With over 1.4 billion people, China has a massive user base for social media platforms. Additionally, the rise in internet penetration and the availability of affordable smartphones have made it easier for people to access and use Douyin.

Douyin takes advantage of China’s culture of sharing and enjoying bite-sized content. In China. there has always been a strong demand for short-form entertainment, including popular formats like variety shows, quick comedy skits, and music videos. Douyin provides a platform for users to easily create and share short videos, allowing them to express their creativity and talent.

Douyin leverages the power of social network effects. Users can follow each other, like and comment on videos, and engage with a large community of like-minded individuals. This sense of belonging and community encourages them to spend more time on the platform.

Moreover. Douyin continuously improves its features and algorithms to enhance user experience and keep users engaged. The app uses advanced AI technology to analyze user preferences and provide personalized recommendations, ensuring that users see content that is relevant and interesting to them.

Overall, the rise of the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the large smartphone user base, the popularity of short-form entertainment in China, social network effects, and continuous improvements in features and algorithms.

6 . Dozens of scientists are ready to delight, provoke, and shed light on global scientific issues. Hosted by different columns on New Scientist, they’re here to engage with latest discoveries. Read on for what New Scientist has offered this week.

NS Live

Why do we need more women in science? Physicist Athene Donald will be at New Scientist Live on & January to explore the disadvantages that women in science face. Her talk will erase myths (传言) about “gendered” brains and what attributes are needed to become a successful scientist. Now, more than ever, there is a moral and business case for greater diversity in research, she says.

Weekender

From black holes to Big Bang, explore the space in this getaway featuring talks from some of the brightest minds in astrophysics. Visit the Lovell Telescope at the Jodrell Bank UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, go stargazing with New Scientist features editor Abigail Beall. This weekender runs from 19 January to 1 February and costs £959.

Essential Guide

What drives the ageing process? What can science tell us about the stages of life? And how can we use the latest research to live healthily into old age? This Essential Guide offers some fresh insight. Available to download on the website or to purchase in print from our shop.

Newsletter — Wild Wild Life

In an act of companionship, an African bird called the greater honey guide may get a badger to help it break into a beehive so the two can share the honey. Michael Marshall finds that there are many surprising truths in his reports, which lie behind the fables (寓言), though these animals’ behavior seems unusual in real life.

“Persist.” — Viet Thanh Nguyen

“Success is no accident.” — Chris Bohjalian

“Keep writing and it’ll get easier.” — Lisa Jewell

“Be patient with yourself.” — Min Jin Lee

These are words of advice taken from our interviews with award-winning and bestselling authors. Notice, though, not a single mention of their status, prizes, or advances—in other words, their success. And while status, literary awards, and money can be indicators of a successful writer, one must actually sit down and write for any of those things to happen. That’s what all of these pieces of advice have in common: putting words on the page.

In this issue, you’ll find articles to help you succeed, no matter your goals. If it’s to figure out whether that mess of a novel you’ve got sitting in a drawer can be rescued or if you need to move on, Andromeda Romano’s article will offer questions to ask yourself. Michael La Ronn’s essay will give you an example of how an unexpected opportunity might be just the push you need. Or, if you’ve had trouble finding an agent, Ryan Van Cleave’s collection of tips and advice from 22 literary agents on every aspect of the business might change your luck. Matty Dalrymple shares ways to reach more readers and build a community with them.

Wish you success and happy new year!

10 . Youth Week WA 2024

Youth Week WA (YWWA) 2024 will n from 5 to 12 April and aims to:

·provide young people aged 12-25 years with opportunities o express ideas and exhibit their talents and contributions;

·give the community the opportunity to listen to young people and celebrate the positive contributions they have made to the community;

·raise community awareness on issues of concern to young people.

YWWA 2024 Ambassadors (大使)

The Ambassadors are volunteers who participate on the YWWA 2024 team by:

·being a part of, and providing support and guidance to the members of the Young People’s Planning Committee;

·helping develop creative ways to involve more young people in YWWA;

·having input into events and strategies for YWWA;

·attending events during YWWA;

·being a public spokesperson for YWWA.

Meet your 2024 Youth Ambassadors!

☆ Fatima Merchant aged 19 is a member of the Amnesty International Australia Youth Advisory Group, UN Youth Australia and is a facilitator at the WA Debating League.

☆ Nathida Chalermsuk aged 22 is studying at Curtin University where she launched a new initiative Youth United, a program which facilitates cross-cultural understanding amongst young people in Australia and calls for more wildlife protection.

☆ Samuel Thomas aged 19 established Sam’s Spares, a nonprofit that saves unwanted e-waste from landfill.

☆ Izabella Brandis aged 18 held workshops for young people in the community where they were invited to come along and create artworks that advocate the ecological sustainability.