Lying Flat, or Flatly Lying: What’s Going on With College Students?
A quiet revolution is unfolding among college students worldwide. While older generations fret about ambition, productivity, and climbing the career ladder, a growing number of young adults are embracing a philosophy called lying flat—a lifestyle prioritizing rest, minimal effort, and personal fulfillment over societal expectations. But is this trend a genuine rejection of hustle culture, or is it a misunderstood response to modern pressures? Let’s unpack what’s really happening.
The Birth of “Lying Flat”
The term tang ping (躺平), meaning “lying flat,” originated in China around 2021. It started with an online post by a disillusioned factory worker who rejected grueling work hours in favor of a simpler, slower life. The idea quickly resonated with millions of young Chinese facing skyrocketing living costs, hyper-competitive job markets, and a societal obsession with material success.
But this mindset isn’t unique to China. Variations of “lying flat” have emerged globally. In Japan, young people embrace satori sedai (the “enlightened generation”), prioritizing hobbies over promotions. In the U.S., terms like “quiet quitting” and “soft life” reflect similar sentiments. For college students, the pressure to excel academically, secure internships, and build a “perfect” résumé has made lying flat an appealing escape hatch.
Why Are Students “Lying Down”?
To understand this trend, we need to look at the world students are inheriting.
1. Burnout Before Takeoff
Many students enter college already exhausted. Years of standardized testing, extracurricular overloading, and parental expectations leave little room for self-discovery. By the time they reach campus, the idea of chasing more achievements feels unsustainable. A 2023 study found that 68% of college students reported chronic stress, with many citing academic pressure as the primary cause.
2. The Illusion of Meritocracy
Students are told that hard work guarantees success. Yet, stagnant wages, rising student debt, and a gig economy rife with instability make this promise feel hollow. In the U.S., for example, 45% of recent graduates work jobs that don’t require a degree. When effort doesn’t translate to stability, motivation wanes.
3. Redefining Success
Young adults today value mental health and work-life balance more than previous generations. A 2022 survey found that 74% of Gen Z students prioritize “happiness” over traditional markers of success like salary or status. Lying flat, then, isn’t laziness—it’s a conscious choice to prioritize well-being.
The Backlash: Is Lying Flat Just an Excuse?
Critics argue that lying flat is a privileged cop-out. They claim only those with financial safety nets can afford to “opt out” of striving. There’s truth here: A student from a wealthy family might “lie flat” without immediate consequences, while a low-income peer can’t risk skipping internships or part-time jobs.
Others worry that disengagement could harm innovation or economic growth. In China, state media has condemned the trend as “unpatriotic,” framing it as a threat to national progress. Similarly, some U.S. employers lament Gen Z’s “lack of grit.”
But these critiques often miss the point. For many students, lying flat isn’t about giving up—it’s about pushing back against systems that demand endless sacrifice without offering security in return.
The Middle Ground: Can We Lie Flat and Stand Tall?
The debate often frames lying flat as all-or-nothing: either grind 24/7 or drop out entirely. But students are finding creative ways to balance self-care with ambition.
1. Selective Effort
Some focus energy on passions while minimizing effort in areas that don’t align with their goals. A biology major might ace lab courses but skip optional networking events, choosing to volunteer at an animal shelter instead.
2. Embracing “Good Enough”
Perfectionism fuels burnout. Students are redefining success by asking, “What’s the minimum effort required to meet my needs?” This might mean settling for a B in a stressful elective to protect mental health.
3. Building Community
Lying flat isn’t always solitary. Online forums and campus groups help students share resources, from study tips to job leads, reducing the pressure to “go it alone.”
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The lying flat movement reveals a generational shift in values. Students aren’t rejecting success—they’re demanding a broader definition of it. Universities and employers must adapt.
For Educators:
– Reduce unnecessary academic rigor (e.g., busywork assignments).
– Offer mental health resources and flexible deadlines.
– Highlight non-traditional career paths.
For Employers:
– Rethink productivity metrics (e.g., valuing output over hours logged).
– Provide paid internships and student loan assistance.
– Foster inclusive cultures where well-being matters.
For Students:
– Experiment with different levels of engagement.
– Seek mentors who align with your values.
– Remember: It’s okay to rest, but don’t isolate yourself.
Final Thoughts
The lying flat trend is neither a fad nor a failure—it’s a symptom of a world in flux. Students are questioning outdated norms, advocating for balance, and reimagining what a fulfilling life looks like. Whether society views this as “laziness” or “wisdom” may depend on its willingness to listen. After all, sometimes lying down isn’t about surrender; it’s about catching your breath before standing up again—on your own terms.
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