Summary of Key Points
A recent series of high-profile incidents reflect a collective awakening among contemporary young people. They are no longer easily influenced by anxiety-inducing marketing, identity-based manipulation (PUA), toxic workplace practices (such as emotional exploitation), or traditional notions of success. Instead, they place greater emphasis on seeking the truth, protecting their own rights and interests, ensuring emotional safety, and making rational decisions. From resisting the "carb face" concept that fosters anxiety about one's appearance, to debunking the myth of the "goose leg aunt" (a popular food vendor), to opposing ineffective workplace competition, questioning the use of public funds, and de-emphasizing the notion that the college entrance exam determines one's destiny, young people are taking action to redefine their own values—refusing to be exploited, defined by others, or to let emotions replace critical thinking.
1. Countering Anxiety and PUA: Young People No Longer Buy into Fear-Making Tactics
The shift from the "carb face" trend (originally a neutral term in the fitness community) to a collective resistance against it is noteworthy. Companies have tried to use this term to create anxiety about bloated, sagging skin and then sell anti-gluten supplements as solutions. However, young people see through this tactic: Does having a round face mean one lacks self-discipline? Is eating staple foods a sin? They have identified the familiar pattern of "creating a problem → inducing anxiety → selling a solution" and have labeled the term "carb face" as the "most malicious buzzword of the year."
Similarly, the new character "Ao Yin" in the乙女 game "Love and Deep Space" has faced criticism for both its unattractive design and for representing a threat to women's safety. The character, a werewolf, enters a woman's home without permission, leading players to protest: "We play games for romance, not to be confronted with realistic fears!" The root of these issues lies in creators' gender-biased assumptions that women prefer domineering, dangerous characters, ignoring their actual needs for respect and safety.
Young People's Attitude: Anxiety-inducing marketing and emotional manipulation no longer work; they seek authenticity, equality, and a sense of being respected.
2. Does Identity Overrule Facts? The "Goose Leg Aunt" Debacle Exposes Groupthink
The "goose leg aunt" became a symbol of campus life due to her popularity among students from top universities in Beijing. However, it turned out she sold duck legs, which might have been spoiled (not preserved with fruit juice). Despite doubts, her supporters defended her as representing the identity of elite university students, arguing that questioning her would undermine their sense of community happiness.
Key Issue: When group identity (being from a prestigious school) and value judgments (that someone deserves respect) take precedence over factual assessments (whether she was selling duck legs or not), objective judgment is marginalized. Even students from top universities can lose their ability to think independently under group pressure, highlighting that rationality is not a given with an elite education; what people believe often depends on how it affects their perceived identity.
3. The "Stuck in the Quagmire" Trend: Workplace Exhaustion and Value Disillusion
Teng Yaxin's 75,000-word resignation letter hit a nerve with many professionals. Long working hours (9 AM to 11 PM, one-day weekends), AI tools that monitor employees' activities (with messages prioritized based on rank), and the lack of meaningful work have led to frustration. In the past, people tolerated these conditions in hopes of better opportunities; now, with stagnant growth, overtime feels like a pointless drain on energy. Young people are questioning: "I work hard, but am I going in the right direction? I solve problems, yet I become part of the problem?"
Collective Resonance: Workers no longer accept the notion that overtime equates to dedication or that hard work guarantees financial freedom. They realize that their time and value are being misused.
4. The Controversy over 8.5 Million Yuan in Cultural Tourism Funds
The reality show "Run! Run!" received 8.5 million yuan from Jiangshan City, Zhejiang, for promotional purposes, but mistakenly used images of a landmark in Handan as if it were in Anyang. Young people are upset not about whether cultural tourism should be funded, but about the transparency and effectiveness of how the money is spent. They wonder why public funds should be used for entertainment shows when they struggle with high rent and commuting costs, and they demand better regulation of filming activities that impact daily life.
Deeper Concerns: Young people are increasingly concerned about how public money is allocated, questioning whether it is being used efficiently. This concern reflects their desire for a more accountable use of resources.
5. The Decline in the College Entrance Exam Myth
The number of applicants for the 2026 exam decreased for the second year in a row, and online discussions about it have cooled down. No one is bragging about their scores or vying for top spots; instead, people focus on moving on to the next stage of life. The reason is simple: the value of a college degree has diminished, and university graduates often end up working in less lucrative jobs. Young people understand that success depends on a combination of family resources, social connections, and opportunities from the times they live in.
Attitude Change: While the college entrance exam remains important, its significance has shifted from a "myth" to just another hurdle in life. They are no longer placing all their hopes on it but exploring more diverse paths in life.
Conclusion
These events point to a clear trend: Contemporary young people are shifting from passively accepting societal norms to actively thinking for themselves. They refuse to be manipulated by anxiety, defined by predefined identities, or exploited in the workplace. This awakening is a pursuit of truth, fairness, and respect, as well as an exploration of more balanced ways of living. Those who continue to use old tactics to manipulate young people, whether it's businesses, institutions, or social norms, will inevitably be outdated.