Lying Flat, or Flatly Lying: What’s Going on With College Students?
Picture this: A college student skips a networking event to binge-watch a show. Another turns down a prestigious internship, opting instead to work part-time at a local café. A third posts a cryptic Instagram story with the caption, “Why run when you can walk?” If these scenarios sound familiar, you’ve likely encountered the growing phenomenon known as “lying flat”—a mindset reshaping how young adults approach ambition, success, and life itself.
But is this trend really about rejecting societal pressures, or is there more beneath the surface? Let’s unpack what’s driving this movement and why it’s sparking heated debates worldwide.
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The Rise of “Lying Flat”
The term tang ping (躺平), or “lying flat,” emerged in China around 2021 as a quiet rebellion against the culture of overwork and relentless competition. It quickly spread globally, resonating with students and young professionals exhausted by the pressure to constantly “hustle.” At its core, lying flat isn’t about laziness—it’s a rejection of the idea that self-worth hinges on career achievements, material wealth, or societal approval.
For college students, this often manifests in unexpected ways: opting for “good enough” grades instead of straight A’s, prioritizing mental health over resume-building, or questioning the value of traditional milestones like homeownership or climbing the corporate ladder.
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Economic Realities vs. Idealism
Critics argue that lying flat is a privileged response to modern life—a luxury only available to those with safety nets. But many students pushing back against this narrative point to systemic issues fueling their choices. Skyrocketing tuition fees, stagnant wages, and a gig economy offering little stability have left younger generations skeptical of the “work hard, succeed big” promise.
Consider Maya, a 22-year-old sociology major in New York. “My parents bought their first home in their 30s. Today, even with two jobs, I’d need to save for 20 years just for a down payment,” she says. “Why stress myself into burnout chasing a fantasy?”
Data supports this sentiment. A 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 68% of Gen Z respondents believe financial independence is harder to achieve today than it was for previous generations. For many, lying flat isn’t apathy—it’s a pragmatic response to an unbalanced system.
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Mental Health and the Burnout Generation
Behind the headlines about “lazy youth” lies a mental health crisis. College counseling centers report record numbers of students seeking help for anxiety, depression, and existential dread. The pressure to excel academically while managing debt, climate anxiety, and global instability has left many feeling paralyzed.
Dr. Emily Carter, a psychologist specializing in young adult mental health, explains: “Lying flat can be a coping mechanism. When students feel the game is rigged, disengaging becomes a form of self-preservation. It’s not about giving up—it’s about setting boundaries.”
This shift is also redefining success. Students are increasingly valuing flexibility, creativity, and work-life balance over prestige. A computer science major might choose freelance coding projects over a high-stress Silicon Valley job, while an art student might sell prints online instead of chasing gallery representation.
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The Backlash: Flatly Lying or Misunderstood?
Not everyone views lying flat sympathetically. Older generations often dismiss it as entitlement. “We worked 80-hour weeks to build our careers,” says Mark, a 55-year-old executive. “Young people want everything handed to them.” Media outlets sometimes frame the trend as a threat to economic growth or a sign of declining ambition.
But this criticism misses the nuance. Students aren’t rejecting effort—they’re rejecting meaningless effort. The rise of automation and AI has also altered their outlook. “Why train for jobs that might disappear in 10 years?” asks Raj, an engineering student in India. “I’d rather focus on skills that bring me joy.”
Others argue that lying flat is a temporary pause, not a lifelong stance. After graduation, some students “get back up,” channeling their energy into passion projects or unconventional careers. Think of the finance grad launching a sustainable fashion brand or the pre-med student pivoting to mental health advocacy.
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A Global Movement With Local Flavors
While lying flat originated in China, similar trends have emerged worldwide:
– Japan’s herbivore men: Young men rejecting corporate rat races for simpler lifestyles.
– South Korea’s N-po generation: Youth abandoning marriage, children, and homeownership due to economic barriers.
– America’s quiet quitting: Workers doing the bare minimum to avoid burnout.
Each reflects a generation questioning inherited definitions of success. For college students, this often means blending idealism with realism. They might intern at a nonprofit while freelancing, or pursue graduate studies part-time to manage stress.
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Is There a Middle Ground?
The lying flat debate isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about renegotiating societal expectations. Students aren’t refusing to contribute; they’re demanding systems that value well-being over productivity. Universities and employers are slowly adapting, offering flexible schedules, mental health days, and project-based roles.
As for students navigating this landscape, the key might lie in balance. “I’m not ‘lying flat,’ but I’m not killing myself for someone else’s dream either,” says Sofia, a junior in Brazil. “I study hard, but I also travel, volunteer, and sleep eight hours a night. That’s my version of success.”
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Final Thoughts
The lying flat movement reveals a generation caught between idealism and disillusionment. For college students, it’s less about rebellion and more about seeking authenticity in a world that often prioritizes metrics over meaning. Whether this trend evolves into lasting cultural change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Young people are rewriting the rules, and the rest of us should pay attention.
After all, as one viral tweet put it: “If the ladder is broken, maybe it’s time to build a new one—or take a seat and enjoy the view for a while.”
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