China's 'Lying Flat' Movement: From Subculture to State Concern

Once associated with those dropping out of the 'rat race' for odd jobs, 'lying flat' now encompasses a broader demographic, including professionals, entrepreneurs, and officials who are avoiding extra work due to diminishing returns in an era of fierce competition. Many social media users, however, attribute their fatigue to home-grown factors rather than foreign influence, with one user sarcastically commenting that their exhaustion was 'the CIA all along.'

The phenomenon is driven by a highly competitive job market, with approximately 100 candidates vying for a single civil service position and a projected youth unemployment rate of 20.8% in 2023. The '996' work culture (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week) and high living costs, including soaring housing prices and expenses for education and medical care, further contribute to this sentiment. Young people are questioning traditional life trajectories, leading to a plummeting fertility rate of 1.07. Instead of pursuing materialistic desires, many are seeking 'spiritual liberation' by embracing a simpler life, focusing on hobbies and free time, and rejecting societal expectations.