China's Overburdened Youth Face Mounting Stressors That Threaten Future Vitality

Many young Chinese suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety due to academic pressure and dim career prospects. This could hurt China's future workforce, economy, and fertility rates.

Phrases like "lying flat" and "let it rot" reflect a lack of motivation among young people, contrasting with Xi Jinping's calls for youth to work hard.

With slowing economic growth, young people face intense competition for jobs, university spots, and civil service positions. Costs of child-rearing are also soaring.

China's fertility rate has plunged to 1.19, far below the replacement level, and is projected to remain low. Attempts to boost birth rates have failed.

If left unaddressed, widespread pessimism among youth could drain vitality from society and economy, eventually prompting social eruption and crisis.