‘Zero-energy companionship’: bizarre hobby takes seed among China’s stressed young adults
Young adults in China are adopting a low-maintenance hobby of 'raising bricks' as a form of stress relief and companionship. The trend reflects broader societal feelings of burnout and economic stagnation among the youth.
Why it matters
This cultural phenomenon provides insight into the psychological state of China's younger generation facing limited career and life prospects.
A social media post advocating raising a brick, including saying: ‘Those seemingly meaningless little things actually make you realise that, besides spending money, you can have a lively, ever-changing corner for free.’ Photograph: xiaohongshu.com A social media post advocating raising a brick, including saying: ‘Those seemingly meaningless little things actually make you realise that, besides spending money, you can have a lively, ever-changing corner for free.’ Photograph: xiaohongshu.com China ‘Zero-energy companionship’: bizarre hobby takes seed among China’s stressed young adults Faced with a stagnant jobs market, many are spurning children or pets in favour of ‘raising bricks’
Prefer the Guardian on Google Chinese young adults looking for a cheaper, low-maintenance alternative to having pets or children have found an answer: raising bricks.
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