Social Rating System

China has implemented a massive digital surveillance system, dubbed as "the most ambitious Orwellian project in human history." This system, which includes hundreds of millions of cameras, identifies and punishes those who break rules, and rewards good behavior through a social rating system. Cities like Shanghai have an extensive "brain" that can monitor citizens' behavior through 1 million cameras. While the system is touted as a means to maintain social stability and control, it raises significant concerns about privacy, control, ownership, and access to data, as well as the potential for censorship and manipulation.

In the novel “1984”, George Orwell refers to a dystopian society which is why some surveillance projects of the government are described “Orwellian”. In the book, the totalitarian government exercises total control over its citizens, suppressing any form of dissent or independent thought. The government, led by a figure known as Big Brother, monitors its citizens' every move through telescreens, which serve as both televisions and surveillance devices. In this sense, an Orwellian state is characterized by pervasive surveillance, censorship, and manipulation of information, as well as the suppression of individual freedom and autonomy. Although there are drawbacks, some of the benefits of the system are:

1. Improved governance and social stability: By monitoring and evaluating citizens' behavior, the
government aims to identify and address potential social and economic risks, ensuring a more stable and
harmonious society.
2. Enhanced trust and credibility: The SCS is designed to promote trust and credibility among citizens,
businesses, and government agencies by providing a transparent and objective evaluation of individuals'
and organizations' behavior.
3. Increased accountability: By tracking and rating individuals' and businesses' behavior, the SCS aims to
encourage accountability and responsibility, reducing the likelihood of fraudulent or unethical behavior.
4. Improved public services: By analyzing data on citizens' behavior and preferences, the government can
tailor public services to better meet their needs, improving overall quality of life.

In contrast, the United States has a surveillance system that is more focused on national security and combating terrorism. The National Security Agency (NSA) gathers information through partnering with technology companies and tapping into communication cables to intercept digital information. While the NSA collects content and metadata, including information about digital interactions, to monitor online activities and identify potential threats, concerns about the balance between privacy and security, and the potential for abuse and misuse of surveillance technology, are ongoing.

The mental health impacts of these surveillance systems cannot be ignored. China's surveillance system can have a negative impact on mental health, with citizens feeling uneasy and constantly watched. The system can also lead to a sense of loss of autonomy and personal freedom. In contrast, America's surveillance system can effect an individual’s behavior, making individuals less likely to speak freely or engage in online activities. The constant monitoring and potential for data misuse can also lead to anxiety and stress.

Foreigners and migrants in China are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of the surveillance system. With limited access to information and resources, they may be more susceptible to feelings of unease and anxiety. Furthermore, the social credit system, which evaluates and intervenes in all aspects of citizens' and businesses' lives deemed meaningful to the state, can be particularly challenging for foreigners and migrants who may not fully understand the system or have limited access to resources to navigate it.

The key differences between China's and America's surveillance systems are striking. China's system is more pervasive and integrated into daily life, with a focus on social control and maintaining social stability. America's system is more focused on national security and combating terrorism, with a greater emphasis on individual privacy and freedom. China's system is more centralized and government-controlled, while America's system is more decentralized and involves partnerships with private companies.

The concerns and debates surrounding surveillance systems are ongoing, raising questions about the balance between safety and privacy, and the potential for abuse and misuse of surveillance technology. Debates about the impact on mental health, personal autonomy, and freedom are ongoing, sparking legal challenges and debates about violations of privacy and potential discrimination. The future of surveillance is becoming increasingly advanced and pervasive, with the potential for even more invasive and manipulative technologies. It is crucial to balance surveillance with privacy and ensure responsible usage of surveillance technologies to protect our rights and freedoms. Individuals, governments, and technology companies must work together to respect both privacy and security, and to ensure that surveillance technology is used for the greater good.

More specifically to the context of China, the effects of these invasive and manipulative technologies are particularly concerning for certain groups. For instance, conservatives who dissent from the Communist Party's ideology may face heightened surveillance and censorship, stifling their ability to express dissenting opinions. Migrants and foreigners in China may also be disproportionately affected, as they may be subject to increased scrutiny and monitoring, exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities. The Chinese government's use of surveillance technology to monitor and control religion and minorities is a stark example of the potential for abuse. It is essential that the development and deployment of surveillance technologies in China are accompanied by robust safeguards to prevent discrimination and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their political beliefs, ethnicity, or nationality.


The concerns and debates surrounding these surveillance systems are ongoing. Both systems raise concerns about the balance between safety and privacy, and the potential for abuse and misuse of surveillance technology. The abuses of the surveillance system include: violation of privacy, potential discrimination, misuse of surveillance technology, and negative impact on mental health and personal autonomy. Debates about the impact on mental health, personal autonomy, and freedom are ongoing in both countries. The use of surveillance technology is sparking legal challenges and debates about violations of privacy and potential discrimination.


Research on China's social credit system, a key component of its surveillance system, has highlighted its potential impact on mental health. The system, which evaluates and intervenes in all aspects of citizens' and businesses' lives deemed meaningful to the state, can lead to feelings of unease, anxiety, and loss of autonomy among citizens. The constant surveillance and evaluation can create a sense of being constantly watched and judged, leading to mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. The system's focus on promoting state-endorsed values and morality can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame among those who do not conform.

Studies have also found that the social credit system can lead to a decrease in physical health advantages over time, with factors such as lifestyle changes and acculturative stress contributing to the decline. Acculturative stress is a common experience for individuals who migrate to a new country or culture, and can appear as anxiety, social withdrawal, or identity confusion. Furthermore, the relationship between social integration and income inequality is non-linear, with some cities having high social integration despite high income inequality.

The concerns and debates surrounding China's social credit system and data state are ongoing. While some argue that the benefits of convenience and security come at the cost of personal autonomy and freedom, others argue that the system is necessary to maintain social stability and control. There are also debates about the potential for abuse and misuse of surveillance technology, as well as the need for stronger privacy laws and regulations to protect citizens' rights.

In conclusion, China's surveillance system, including its social credit system and data state, has significant implications for mental health, with the constant surveillance and evaluation leading to feelings of unease, anxiety, and loss of autonomy. The system's focus on promoting state-endorsed values and morality can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame among those who do not conform. It is crucial to balance surveillance with privacy and ensure responsible usage of surveillance technologies to protect our rights and freedoms. Foreigners and migrants in China are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of the surveillance system, and it is essential to consider their unique experiences and challenges in the debate surrounding surveillance technology.