In a series of disturbing incidents across China, several individuals have died under circumstances linked to the excessive use of WeChat’s “Shake” feature and other smartphone-related activities. Medical examiners and authorities are now issuing urgent warnings about the potential dangers of prolonged mobile app usage.
Case 1: Fatal Radiation Exposure in Jiangxi
Xiao Li, a 23-year-old kindergarten teacher from Nanchang, Jiangxi province, died unexpectedly on May 30 after spending hours on WeChat. According to forensic reports, the victim had been discussing Children’s Day celebration plans with friends via WeChat from 6:00 PM on May 28 until 4:00 AM the next morning. She later complained of headaches and fatigue before her sudden death.
Medical examiners determined that Xiao Li’s brain had been exposed to prolonged radiation from excessive smartphone use. The “Shake” feature was specifically cited as potentially dangerous, with each use generating intense radiation waves that could accumulate over time with fatal consequences.
Case 2: Lightning Strike During “Shaking” in Henan
On June 3, Hou Jianguo, a 32-year-old construction worker from Anyang, Henan province, was struck by lightning while using the “Shake” feature during a thunderstorm. Witnesses reported the victim was actively using the function when the fatal strike occurred.
Case 3: Medical Worker Dies from Brain Damage
A 21-year-old healthcare worker from Shangqiu, Henan province, was found dead on May 24 after reportedly using WeChat continuously day and night. Autopsy results showed severe brain radiation damage, ruptured blood vessels, and cancerous cell membranes in brain tissue.
Case 4: Phone Explosion During Thunderstorm
In Guangdong’s Qingyuan city, a 28-year-old female cosmetologist suffered facial injuries when her smartphone exploded during a thunderstorm on June 3. Experts warn that using mobile devices during electrical storms can be extremely dangerous, recommending landline use instead for essential communications.
Other cases highlight different smartphone-related dangers:
Location Sharing Leads to Fatal Attack
On May 14, a young woman in Anhui province was murdered after a criminal tracked her location through a selfie she posted on social media while riding the Shanghai metro.
Kidney Harvesting After “Shake” Meetup
On April 3, Zhang Mengmeng from Yunnan province was found dead in a丽江 hotel room after meeting someone through the “Shake” feature. The victim’s kidneys had been surgically removed, and the perpetrator remains at large.
Official Warnings Issue
National forensic authorities are urging the public to:
Limit daily smartphone and app usage
Avoid using phones during thunderstorms
Never share real-time locations publicly
Exercise extreme caution when meeting strangers from apps
Maintain regular sleep schedules and avoid late-night usage
With over 300 million WeChat users in China, these incidents have raised significant concerns about mobile app safety and responsible usage habits.
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