China's Ministry of State Security recently accused foreign forces of twisting concept of “lying flat” to erode social values. This claim arises as the term,which started as niche subculture,has spread across China over last five years. Once linked mainly to disenchanted youth during COVID-19, “lying flat” now appeals to a wide range,including successful professionals,middle-aged entrepreneurs.
The agency suggests unnamed overseas groups fund influencers to push a mindset against ambition,hard work. In social media post,the Ministry called this “lying flat brainwashing,” saying it threatens China's growth. But many online users pushed back,arguing their exhaustion comes from domestic pressures,not foreign meddling. One joked, “So my exhaustion isn’t from overwork – it was the CIA all along.”
As competition heats up and success seems elusive,more people choose a lifestyle focused on well-being over endless ambition . This shift shows wider societal fatigue,sparking talks about whether traditional work ethics hold up in today's economy. The “lying flat” debate evolves...what's next for China's work culture?
