How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing's ambition
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
An AI assistant sparked a "raising lobsters" frenzy in China, with users training the tool.
AI Summary
An AI agent in China initiated a trend of "raising lobsters" in March, leading to a frenzy among users who trained the tool for their specific needs. This phenomenon offers insight into Beijing's ambition regarding artificial intelligence development and its public reception. The widespread engagement with the AI assistant demonstrates the potential for rapid user adoption and customization of new technologies within China. The "raising lobsters" trend highlights how AI tools can quickly capture public imagination and be adapted for various user-driven applications.
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
AI & Technology
Following the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its impact on society, including regulation debates, workforce disruption, military applications, privacy concerns, and the race between tech giants and governments to shape AI's future.
Global Power Shifts
Tracking the changing dynamics of global power, including US-China competition, Russia's geopolitical moves, shifting alliances, NATO developments, and the emergence of new power blocs reshaping the international order.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Civil RightsChina’s energy dominance plan is built on the backs of forced labor
China’s continued exploitation of Uyghur people is central to its ambition to dominate global critical mineral markets.
Civil RightsLA teen loses eye after being shot by US agent at No Kings march, lawyer says
<p>USC student Tucker Collins’s attorney accuses homeland security of ‘overt act of repression’ at Los Angeles protest</p><p>A freshman at the University of Southern California has lost an eye after he was shot last month with a “less-lethal” projectile by a Department of Homeland Security agent at a No Kings march, <a href="https://www.vjamesdesimonelaw.com/news/blinded-at-a-protest-questions-raised-about-federal-use-of-force/#more-7377">according</a> to his attorney.</p><p>On 28 March, Tucker Collins, 18, took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles to photograph throngs of protesters, who held signs and chanted slogans denouncing the Trump administration’s policies, his lawyer V James DeSimone said in a statement on Wednesday.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/08/los-angeles-teen-eye-no-kings-march">Continue reading...</a>
GlobalUS intelligence indicates China preparing weapons shipment to Iran, CNN reports - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwAFBVV95cUxPRkZfMzl0azhYUk1mSTY3dHVqcEpoSWhySS1sdVQwZzFySmNXeWZobzlKYnB2dHVGeVNjb1F0RE1pdjVRQjZxblotcW84Wnk0UDdMdGFqNFJ4TFo5ZGZ1NUhsejItN3VXSFlSeWhWUlM5SEhZTVZGN3UyUHlkUnFlM3NSNEh2ZTlaQ3dGNjlRZVFnOUl0UGxiODFrRUVnMmR3Q3N6aEVONWhOV1d6WHlxVWpPV3F5cG1mcTYxVWdnRlk?oc=5" target="_blank">US intelligence indicates China preparing weapons shipment to Iran, CNN reports</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
EnvironmentZeldin tells climate skeptics to ‘celebrate vindication’ after repeal of baseline climate rule - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirAFBVV95cUxPWkR1WWtyZzJFRkxCM3lsc2xfT0xxM0xpOEpGZXdRVldkbjRJb3FnTWtSaE1OaU1QaFY0am4tUnZqc1VqS2xROG9mU1NBMUZyb3U0dVBOUjJSV19UalowSmZLNzR6alZGZ19KellXcGZsM09ydGRTbFdIaGdveGxYbUlCdUVEeWNJZmtVeGNrQnkyd0JWSlE2a3lYRlJEMWlPUjN5U1VIMHFhb253?oc=5" target="_blank">Zeldin tells climate skeptics to ‘celebrate vindication’ after repeal of baseline climate rule</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsTrump tells MS Now he did not 'know anything about' Melania's statement - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiswFBVV95cUxPd3FxeW1MQVgxMDNKNjNWbl8zSTQ3dmt3ZlNJMnhyWVJrRHhBR1d2UnVrT2kyUlR3TlNJcjBGWWNxUjVHN1N1WU1Eb1p0MnoyNGhGYjVURjAycmtBbEJESFhKbGdkYk0wV1k0WVRFRHpzbFZSSnJTRjBKT0lpODBLa0pVZXRTZk1iYU1fZkplUnliVlVCNTB3bm1mS0VjZXltQkhneWxwdngwZDJZZlBGTWJjWQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump tells MS Now he did not 'know anything about' Melania's statement</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
GlobalTaiwan opposition leader to visit China as Beijing ramps up 'reunification' push - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivAFBVV95cUxNSjl3RVpzVEdMVWVpRjA4WVI3S241ZGtaQlRYeWNHbDZGd2hpdEMwaTRadzFnbGRkR0loLUR5ZTBFWWcySEZvU09PTTVnV0x1TXBRMzdGQXlpd0hNSlZZUmpHRjhqSm55dktmUW9zMEtBdkJiVUQ3a0J4b1FXaEVQbDIzc1VfNXBpMXhrc0Nhd3F6X2pmbUFFakQ4eUVQVEJkZXJLU3ZvTnhVU2ZIc0FWd3Y4VUZmVE5tRjZuOA?oc=5" target="_blank">Taiwan opposition leader to visit China as Beijing ramps up 'reunification' push</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

‘I feel helpless’: college graduates can’t find entry-level roles in shrinking market amid rise of AI
<p>Young American graduates expressed frustration over fewer job openings and longer searches</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>American <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/colleges">college</a> graduates are facing the <a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market#--:overview">worst entry-level job market</a> since the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak">pandemic</a>, with the underemployment rate reaching 42.5% – its highest level since 2020.</p><p>Several young graduates told the Guardian about their struggles navigating a job market shaped by tightening opportunities, the r...
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Fuel efficiency a hot topic at New York Auto Show

Over-the-counter medication abortion? These researchers say it would be safe

Supreme Court returns state-secrets privilege case to lower court

US Democratic lawmakers visit Cuba, call on Trump to "bring the rhetoric down" - Reuters

She paid into Medicare for years. Trump's immigration policy will end her coverage


