In China, a peculiar trend has emerged among young adults seeking low-maintenance companionship: raising bricks. This unconventional hobby offers an alternative to the more traditional choices of having children or pets, especially amid a stagnant job market.
Bricks, unlike pets or children, require minimal care and cost next to nothing. The process involves spraying them with water a few times daily, allowing moss spores from the environment to attach and grow. One Chinese media outlet described these bricks as “practically immortal, ” noting that if neglected, the moss simply goes dormant and can be revived with water.
The trend, which has gained traction on social media platforms like Weibo with over 5 million views on related hashtags, resonates with young people seeking meaning in a low-effort lifestyle. A user on Xiaohongshu, a platform similar to Instagram, shared an image of their brick, highlighting its lack of demands: “no output required, no KPIs to hit, no need to beg it to bloom.”
Psychologists have termed this phenomenon “zero-energy emotional companionship, ” where the brick provides a sense of company without requiring emotional investment. One brick enthusiast mentioned that the hobby offers a sense of accomplishment akin to completing a long-term project, while another noted that a brick offers a sense of certainty absent in many relationships.
The popularity of raising bricks is partly driven by the challenging economic conditions facing young Chinese adults. Official statistics reveal that nearly one in five individuals aged 16 to 24, excluding students, are unemployed. This economic uncertainty, coupled with a declining birthrate that hit a record low last year, has led many to reject traditional societal expectations such as having children and pursuing demanding careers.
Health Concerns and Expert Advice
Despite its appeal, the trend has prompted health warnings. Some participants have reported symptoms like itchy eyes and runny noses, potentially due to mould spread by the moss. Xuedong Li, a retired moss professor from Beijing’s Capital Normal University, advised enthusiasts to keep bricks in enclosed spaces and to wear disposable gloves and masks to minimize exposure to spores.
The rise of this hobby aligns with a broader cultural shift among Chinese youth, who are increasingly embracing the “lying flat” lifestyle. This approach advocates for minimal effort and stress, contrasting sharply with the competitive and high-pressure environment many have experienced during their education and early careers.
As the trend continues to grow, it reflects a broader sentiment among young people in China: a desire for simplicity and a break from the traditional pressures of society. Whether this will remain a niche hobby or evolve into a more widespread cultural phenomenon remains to be seen.
