US EditionChina Calls Youth 'Lying Flat' Trend a Foreign Psyop
The ministry said overseas groups are funding media and influencers to spread defeatist messages that could weaken young people’s drive, officials said.
- On Tuesday, The Ministry of State Security posted on WeChat, alleging foreign forces promote 'lying flat' to erode the spirit of Chinese youth and undermine foundational values.
- Foreign organizations have allegedly helped influencers produce videos promoting 'lying flat is justice' and 'anti-overwork is equivalent to anti-exploitation' to magnify social anxiety, The Ministry claimed.
- Reporting this week, The Wall Street Journal noted The MSS considers youth primary targets for 'ideological infiltration' through a systemic 'lying-flat brainwashing' campaign, though specific foreign forces were unnamed.
- Ironically, American social media popularized similar trends like 'bed rotting,' while lawmakers previously feared American teens were influenced by the Chinese government via TikTok owner ByteDance.
- Both societies grapple with youth disillusionment: American teens adopt 'Chinamaxxing' while Chinese youth seek escape from the grind, creating what resembles an O. Henry story of cultural role reversal.
16 Articles
16 Articles
China Youth Jobless Rate Rises to 4-Month High
China’s urban youth unemployment rate for those aged 16–24, excluding students, rose to 16.9% in March 2026 from 16.1% in the previous month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The increase marked the highest level since November 2025, reversing a downward trend seen since September, as a fresh wave of graduates and subdued hiring demand put pressure on entry-level job opportunities. Meanwhile, unemployment among those aged 25–29, a…
China’s MSS exposes anti-China forces concocting ‘class solidification’ narratives and promoting ‘lie-flat’ thinking among Chinese youth
China’s state security authority on Tuesday exposed anti-China forces who have been fabricating narratives such as “class solidification” and that “hard work is useless,” laying bare overseas organization-backed anti-China forces of funding internet influencers and spreading “lying-flat” content to lure Chinese youth to “let it rot” and to erode their mindset.
Teens in China have been 'lying flat' for years. I think it sounds great — even after a government warning.
Teens have been "lying flat" in China and elsewhere for years. Now, the Chinese government is warning it could be the influence of foreign forces that is causing youth to buy into slacker culture.Crispin la valiente/Getty Images"Lying flat" is a meme-y trend among Chinese youth. It's a rebellion against always-on work culture.It's been happening for years, but the Chinese government is now warning it's because of foreign influence.But aren't all…
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- 38% of the sources are Center, 37% of the sources lean Right
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