Silencing Despair: China's Crackdown on Pessimism in the Digital Age

The Chinese government has launched a controversial campaign aimed at combatting negative emotions online, particularly focusing on posts that promote despondency and pessimism. Announced by the Cyberspace Administration, this two-month initiative seeks to prevent narratives that suggest hard work and education are futile, amidst growing concerns about a declining economy, high youth unemployment, and widespread societal tension. Young people in China are increasingly questioning their future prospects, with many fearing their livelihoods could be worse than those of their parents.

Influencers and content creators have faced strict censorship as a means to suppress negative sentiments. For instance, popular social media figure Hu Chenfeng recently had his posts removed without explanation, likely due to his commentary which humorously labeled people as either ”Apple” or “Android”—alluding to social status. Such humor, while embraced by many online, falls into a sensitive area that the government views as detrimental to social harmony.

Another example is Zhang Xuefeng, an educational influencer who sparked outrage with his remarks regarding a potential Taiwan conflict. His social media presence is under threat due to his candid discussions on societal pressures, which could contribute to an atmosphere of hopelessness among youth.

The government’s approach is not limited to individuals; it extends to social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, Kuaishou, and Weibo, which are being penalized for allowing negative content. Officials assert that fostering a ”civilised and rational online environment” is in the public’s interest, despite accusations that this could further stifle genuine expression. Experts note that suppressing pessimistic sentiments does not resolve the underlying issues, such as economic challenges and the competitive job market.

As young people increasingly opt to ”lie flat” or withdraw from the rat race altogether, the social implications of this campaign raise questions about the government’s efficacy in dealing with deep-seated societal anxieties. Dr. Simon Sihang Luo cautions that while censorship may alter how sentiments are expressed, it is unlikely to eliminate the root causes of discontent, especially when economic conditions remain bleak and competitive.