China Cracks Down on Online Negativity Amid Rising Youth Disillusionment
China has launched a sweeping two-month campaign to curb online expressions of pessimism, targeting social media content that authorities say “excessively exaggerates negative and gloomy sentiments.”
The initiative, announced this week by the Cyberspace Administration of China, seeks to “rectify negative emotions” and foster a “civilized and rational online environment.” Officials say the move is aimed at discouraging narratives like “hard work is useless” and “studying is pointless,” which have gained traction among young people grappling with bleak economic prospects.
The crackdown comes as China faces slowing economic growth, a real estate crisis, soaring youth unemployment, and fierce competition for education and jobs – factors fueling a sense of hopelessness among its younger generation.
“Many young people in China are realizing their livelihoods are likely to be worse than their parents’ generation,” said Dr. Simon Sihang Luo, an assistant professor at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. “This creates deep anxiety about their futures.”
Influencers Under Scrutiny
The campaign has already resulted in penalties for prominent online personalities. Popular content creator Hu Chenfeng recently saw his social media accounts wiped clean without explanation, following a viral livestream in which he jokingly labeled people and ideas as either “Apple” (superior) or “Android” (inferior). While some users embraced the joke, others accused Hu of stoking social divisions.
Similarly, Zhang Xuefeng, a well-known education influencer with millions of followers, had his accounts restricted from gaining new followers. Zhang, famous for his blunt advice, often told students to make decisions based on practical realities rather than aspirations. His messages, while widely followed, may have clashed with the government’s push for a more positive digital landscape.
Platforms Face Punishment
Authorities are also holding major social media platforms accountable. Popular apps like Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Kuaishou have been warned of “strict punishments” for failing to control content deemed excessively negative, including sensational celebrity gossip and other “trivial information.”
The government says these steps are necessary to maintain a “clear and healthy cyberspace,” though critics argue that suppressing online expressions of frustration could worsen public morale.
Dr. Luo warned that while venting online may seem disruptive, it provides a form of emotional release. “Silencing these expressions may intensify collective mental strain,” he said.
Rising Youth Disengagement
Many young Chinese are increasingly disillusioned with the relentless demands of work and study. Some are moving back in with their parents, embracing lifestyles described as “lying flat” or even calling themselves “full-time children.” This growing trend reflects a broader rejection of the country’s high-pressure “rat race.”
Recent studies show rising pessimism about China’s future, a concern the ruling Communist Party is keenly aware of. Analysts, however, doubt whether a top-down censorship campaign can address the deeper issues at play.
“Even with a government as powerful as China’s, it is difficult to erase pessimism when the economy is slowing, the job market is brutally competitive, and the birth rate is at historic lows,” Dr. Luo said.
The campaign highlights Beijing’s determination to maintain a relentlessly upbeat online environment – even as frustration continues to simmer beneath the surface.
