SCIO press conference on white paper 'Youth of China in the New Era'
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E-mail China.org.cn, April 27, 2022
Southern Metropolis Daily:
Generation Z are internet-savvy, willing to express themselves and take the lead on various internet platforms. So what should Chinese young people do in the face of choosing between "lying flat" (a term to describe the youngsters who give up ambitions and do the bare minimum to get by) and "involution" (one buzzword that indicates irrational or involuntary competition)? What does the CYLC suggest? Thank you.
He Junke:
I'll take this question. In recent years, we often see a variety of buzzwords from the media, such as "lying flat" and "Buddha-like." We have attached much attention to them, as the focus of the CYLC's job is to serve the young people. We have carried out many surveys and research, and now I would like to share what we have achieved with you.
First, we observed that only a very few young people chose to "lie flat," instead, a majority of young people are working hard. In recent years, we have carried out a number of surveys and research on the spiritual pursuit of modern young people. We noticed they believe that success depends mainly on personal efforts, which remains the mainstream belief among modern youth. Most of them are optimistic about their future. Based on these surveys and research, we believe that terms such as "lying flat" and "Buddha-like" are often used for relieving stress and regulating emotions.
Second, our country has emphasized addressing underlying problems behind the "lying flat" and "Buddha-like" mindset. Although most young people will not choose to "lie flat" or live with a "Buddha-like" mindset, they are facing great and realistic pressures from work, study, and life, in China's unique population structure and heated population competition environment. Faced with major life choices, young people often become confused, lose their sense of direction or else feel powerless. Similar cases also existed in the old days. Therefore, in recent years, our country has intensified its policy efforts to address difficulties in youth education, employment, marriage, and love, as well as child nurturing, in a bid to help young people to solve urgent and difficult issues.
Third, we wish the whole of society could care more about mental health among youth. A small number of young people are locked in cocoons after dwelling on negative emotions for a long time. Due to various reasons, they lack a fighting spirit and have little sense of responsibility for their families and society. Some are unrealistic and dream about easy success. We need to build a sound social environment to influence them in a positive way. Happiness is achieved through hard work, while hard work itself is a form of happiness. This motto from General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered to Chinese youth is something we should all do our best to understand.
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