Repaying online helpers rebuilds social trust

Three years ago, Xu Tao, a student at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, sought help online so that his father could receive treatment for leukaemia. On Monday, one of the donors said in a micro blog that Xu had paid him back the money he had given him and added 10 percent interest. Comments:

Trust is fragile in the virtual world; every time someone breaks a promise people will lose trust in others seeking help online. In order to prevent that from happening, every person who seeks help should honor any promise they make to pay back the money they receive so as not to damage the possibility of assistance for others in the future. Xu has set a good example for others to follow to form a net of mutual trust in the online world.

Xinhua Daily Telegraph, May 14

Living in an age in which trust is scarce, we have heard too many stories of people refusing to honor their debts; that makes Xu's action especially precious and praiseworthy. Xu has not only won nationwide praise, he has also attracted people's attention and given society a chance to start rebuilding the trust that has been lost.

Chongqing Times, May 14

What supported Xu is not only honor, but also a sense of gratitude. One detail of his story, in particular, is worthy of our attention. When one of the donors said Xu did not have to pay him back, Xu said he hoped the donor would accept the money and use it to help others. That's what society needs: to get love, and pass it on, until it reaches every corner.

China National Radio, via Sina micro blog, May 14