Lying Flat, or Flatly Lying: What’s Going on With College Students?
A growing number of young people in China are embracing a philosophy called tang ping—translated as “lying flat”—a lifestyle choice that rejects relentless competition and the pressure to conform to traditional definitions of success. College students, in particular, have become both the face and the driving force behind this movement. But what exactly does “lying flat” mean? Is it a genuine rebellion against societal expectations, or is it a symptom of deeper systemic issues? Let’s unpack the trend and its implications.
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The Rise of “Lying Flat”
The term tang ping first gained traction online in 2021, inspired by a viral social media post where a young man declared his decision to opt out of the “rat race.” Instead of chasing promotions, high salaries, or homeownership, he chose a minimalist life with low consumption and minimal stress. For many college students, this resonated deeply.
Why? Because modern education systems often condition students to view life as a series of checkboxes: ace exams, attend a top university, secure a prestigious job, marry, buy property, and so on. But as economic growth slows, job markets tighten, and housing prices soar, students increasingly question whether this path is attainable—or even desirable. “Lying flat” becomes a way to reclaim agency, a quiet protest against a system they feel is stacked against them.
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Why Students Are Opting Out
To understand this shift, we need to look at the pressures facing today’s college students:
1. The “Involution” Trap
Involution (or neijuan), a term describing intense competition without real progress, dominates campus life. Students compete for grades, internships, and extracurricular achievements, only to enter a workforce where overwork (the infamous “996” schedule: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week) is normalized. Many see little reward for their efforts, leading to burnout before their careers even begin.
2. Sky-High Expectations
Families often invest heavily in their children’s education, creating immense pressure to “succeed.” But with youth unemployment rates hitting record highs, graduates face a mismatch between their qualifications and available opportunities. For some, “lying flat” is less about laziness and more about self-preservation.
3. Mental Health Struggles
Anxiety and depression rates among students have surged, driven by academic stress and fear of failure. Choosing to “lie flat” can be a coping mechanism—a way to prioritize mental well-being over societal approval.
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Criticism and Backlash
Not everyone views “lying flat” sympathetically. Critics argue that the movement reflects entitlement or a lack of resilience. State media has labeled it “negative” and “unpatriotic,” urging youth to reignite their ambition. Older generations, who lived through periods of scarcity, often dismiss it as a luxury of modern prosperity.
Yet these critiques overlook the structural challenges young people face. Skyrocketing living costs, stagnant wages, and a shrinking job market make traditional markers of success feel unattainable. For many students, “lying flat” isn’t about giving up—it’s about redefining success on their own terms.
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A Global Phenomenon?
While “lying flat” is rooted in China’s unique socio-economic context, parallels exist worldwide. In Japan, the hikikomori phenomenon describes young adults withdrawing from social life due to pressure. In the U.S., terms like “quiet quitting” (doing the bare minimum at work) reflect similar disillusionment. These trends suggest a broader generational shift: young people globally are questioning whether sacrificing their health and happiness for career success is worth it.
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The Silver Lining: Redefining Success
Despite its controversial reputation, the “lying flat” movement has sparked important conversations. Students are challenging outdated notions of achievement and advocating for work-life balance, mental health awareness, and systemic change. Some are turning to alternative paths, like freelance work, creative pursuits, or entrepreneurship, to build lives aligned with their values.
Universities and employers are also taking note. Schools are introducing mental health resources, while companies experiment with flexible hours and four-day workweeks. These changes, though incremental, signal a growing recognition that well-being and productivity are interconnected.
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Is There a Middle Ground?
The debate around “lying flat” often polarizes into extremes: either glorifying the movement or condemning it. But reality is more nuanced. For some students, “lying flat” is a temporary pause—a chance to recharge before reengaging with society. For others, it’s a long-term rejection of unsustainable norms.
What’s clear is that the status quo isn’t working. Solutions require systemic reforms: affordable housing, fair labor practices, and education systems that prioritize critical thinking over rote memorization. Until then, “lying flat” will remain a rational, if imperfect, response to an irrational world.
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Final Thoughts
The “lying flat” movement isn’t just about college students—it’s a mirror reflecting broader societal issues. It challenges us to ask: What kind of future are we building for the next generation? How can we create systems that value humanity over hustle?
For now, students continue to navigate these questions in their own ways. Whether they choose to “lie flat,” push forward, or carve a new path altogether, their choices remind us that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. And perhaps that’s the most valuable lesson of all.
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