Work Point Model Introduced in Chinese Villages to Strengthen Control

China is in an economic recession and many unemployed workers have returned to the countryside. Recently in Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou city, a digital governance model called “work dividend calculator” was introduced. Residents in Hangzhou city feel like they have returned to the time of the Cultural Revolution. They believe that the “work dividend calculator” is actually a tool to brainwash and control the people. Netizens believe that the rural economy will deteriorate even further after the model is expanded in the future. The so-called “work dividend calculator” is a small program in WeChat that allows each registered user to earn work points and increase their creditworthiness by participating in various activities hosted by the town and village. These activities include reading certain articles, completing surveys, voluntary work, production labor, and public affairs participation. The more you participate, the more points you earn. These work points can be redeemed as cash to be spent at local businesses.