In recent weeks, a coffee shop located within the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital has taken social media by storm, drawing attention for its vintage European-style architecture and beautiful surroundings. Influencers have flocked to the spot, arriving with professional photography gear like reflectors and tripods, capturing photos and even live-streaming in front of the café. This phenomenon has sparked considerable debate online, with many expressing their disbelief, labeling the situation as “absurd” and “ridiculous.” Some citizens have voiced concerns about the impact on the hospital’s environment. While the pursuit of beauty and online popularity is understandable, when this quest crosses boundaries, what starts as a fun experience can quickly turn into a disturbance—making the most picturesque photos lose their charm.
During a recent visit, I found that the café is situated in the west wing of the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital on Changle Road. Known for its lush sycamore trees and rich cultural vibe, Changle Road attracts many for a leisurely urban stroll. This café, which opened earlier this year, is located inside a century-old building, with the ground floor designated as a public area for patients and their families to take a break, as well as a space for medical staff to recharge. However, the hospital’s efforts to enhance its service environment have unintentionally transformed what has been a clinical setting for over 70 years into a backdrop for photo ops, making some patients seeking medical assistance feel uncomfortable amidst the unusual spectacle.
Concerns have been raised online about the hospital’s apparent lack of oversight regarding this influencer phenomenon. In response, the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital has stated that they will enhance management measures. They plan to discourage commercial photography, the prolonged occupation of seating meant for patients, and the use of large lighting equipment to ensure that normal medical activities can proceed unobstructed and that patients can enjoy a more comfortable experience. While it is clear that hospitals aren’t law enforcement agencies, relying solely on strict regulations to monitor every visitor and their belongings could overly complicate the experience for those genuinely seeking care. The question arises: aside from reinforcing rules and providing guidance, what other proactive measures can hospitals and similar institutions take to mitigate this issue?
In recent years, the trend of “taking social media photos” has become widespread, driven by a collective yearning for beauty and novelty and fulfilling social needs in our digital age. This trend has spurred innovations in business practices and become a significant cultural phenomenon. However, the growing participation in these activities has also led to numerous issues associated with influencer culture. Uncivil behaviors such as climbing on sculptures for the perfect shot, trespassing in residential areas for pictures late at night, and even illegal escapades in restricted areas raise serious concerns about public safety and order. Furthermore, misleading “travel photo guides” found online can misrepresent attractions and harm a city’s image, ultimately impacting the healthy development of the travel and tourism industry.
Instances where photo-taking disrupts public order or infringes on others’ rights are becoming increasingly common. These “influencer” behaviors signal a blurred understanding of the boundaries concerning public resource usage. Influencers should recognize that society is a collective; meeting individual desires should not come at the expense of others’ privacy and normalcy. Ultimately, in the age of social media, creative endeavors must respect limits, balance personal expression with public interest, and avoid transforming widely accessible public resources into mere backgrounds for individual marketing stories.
To address the complications stemming from influencer activities, responsible action must also come from relevant authorities and platforms. Strengthening content monitoring and oversight is essential to avoid risks from false advertising and hype. More importantly, guiding influencers and the public toward a respectful use of shared resources is crucial. We hope that through collective efforts across society, a more civil and healthy online ethos can emerge, transforming responsible “photo-taking” into a commendable and memorable part of our social landscape.
