QR codes in contemporary China: digital money and people's perception

Abstract

This thesis discusses the subject of QR codes in the unique frame that contemporary China represents. The country, with its strong control over the society in the digital space and non-, has managed to create a unique situation where QR codes have been taken to the next level, contrarily to the rest of the world. In this thesis we will see how the QR code has been inserted in this frame and has managed to shape the society and in particular the relationship between the society and money. The outline of the thesis is divided into three chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of this subject. The first chapter explains the subject of QR technology looking at the history of its invention, starting from one-dimentional barcodes and unfolding the topic all the way to today's technology. The second chapter shows the many applications that QR codes can have in different sectors and for different purposes with a specific look at the Chinese reality, and reflects about the advantages and disadvantages that come with the use of this technology. The third chapter is specific about the Chinese relationship with the QR code. It unfolds the subject starting with its first introduction, its popularization through social media and mobile payment options, the concerns for its safety, the changes to today's Chinese society's relationship with money, ending with some considerations about the future of this technology.