Keywords
- Crazy Literature (发疯文学): An online cultural phenomenon expressing dissatisfaction with real-world struggles through absurd and playful means.
- Rebellion of the Weak (弱者反抗): Youth confronting social pressures and injustices by “going crazy” to break rules and voice demands.
- Individual Release (个体性释放): In collective “crazy” behaviors, individuals seek personal liberation rather than group identity.
- Lack of Community (社群缺失): The absence of genuine communities leads youth to seek identity through virtual means.
- Quest for Freedom (自由诉求): Facing unsatisfactory choices, youth express a longing for freedom through “going crazy.”
Summary
Recently, “going crazy” has become a prevalent mindset among Chinese youth. The podcast author observes that this phenomenon, evident in online “crazy literature” and extending to real-life actions, serves as a means to solve problems or release emotions. The author argues that youth opt to “go crazy” due to their awareness of their vulnerable status, unable to address issues through violence or rational dialogue. This seemingly collective “crazy” behavior is, in fact, an individual release, reflecting a lack of community. The author suggests that “going crazy” may be a continuation of social phenomena over the past three years, representing youth’s quest for freedom when faced with unsatisfactory choices.
Insights
The podcast deeply analyzes the social and psychological drivers behind the “going crazy” phenomenon among contemporary Chinese youth. It reveals the pressures and dilemmas individuals face in a rapidly changing society, alongside the challenges of seeking identity and belonging after the disintegration of traditional social structures. This phenomenon is not just emotional venting but a reflection and critique of social realities. For policymakers and researchers, understanding it can help gauge societal trends, inform targeted policies, and foster harmonious social relations.
Opinions
01 “Going Crazy as Rebellion of the Weak”
Youth choose to “go crazy” because they recognize their vulnerable status, unable to resolve issues through the violence of the powerful or equal rational communication, resorting to breaking rules as rebellion.
02 “Collective Madness as an Illusion”
While “going crazy” appears collective, it reflects a lack of true group identity; individuals seek personal release rather than sacrificing for collective goals.
03 “Going Crazy as a Quest for Freedom”
“Going crazy” is youth’s expression of longing for freedom when all choices fail to satisfy; opting for “no choice” or “going crazy” becomes a form of expression.
In-Depth
“Going Crazy”: A Sociological Interpretation of Contemporary Chinese Youth’s Mental Struggles
Shanghai, November 8, 2023 — Recently, the term “going crazy” has surged in China’s online lexicon, becoming a buzzword for youth describing their mental state. From the rise of “crazy literature” to Halloween street revelry, this phenomenon has drawn widespread attention. What social and psychological forces drive this seemingly absurd behavior? Is it mere emotional release or a profound reflection on social realities?
The Rise of the “Going Crazy” Phenomenon
The “going crazy” phenomenon didn’t emerge out of nowhere; it has deep social roots. After three years of pandemic disruptions, social order has gradually normalized, but youth mental health has not recovered. The term gained traction this summer as netizens shared absurd memes and frenzied posts to express inner turmoil. This trend has since spilled offline, with youth using “crazy” behaviors to tackle real-world issues, like confronting uncivil acts in public or joining festive group revelry.
A Postmodern Theoretical Lens
Theoretically, the “going crazy” phenomenon aligns with postmodernist thought, which posits that under modern society’s rational constraints, individuals rebel through revelry or transformation to challenge rigid discourse systems. Kafka’s Metamorphosis epitomizes this. Postmodernism suggests that even with knowledge and truth, modern individuals feel powerless in daily life, using “going crazy” to externalize struggles and evade responsibility.
“Rebellion of the Weak”: Individual Expression of Structural Dilemmas
However, postmodernism alone cannot fully explain Chinese youth’s “going crazy.” A deeper cause lies in their pervasive sense of vulnerability. In relationships, the powerful resolve issues with violence or authority, while equals rely on language and reason. Yet, when youth face injustice or hardship, they often lack both the power of the strong and access to fair dialogue.
Thus, “going crazy” becomes a form of “rebellion of the weak.” By breaking established rules, youth express discontent and demands. Yet, this rebellion is not truly collective but rather an individual release. Despite the apparent unity of “crazy” actions, each participant seeks personal catharsis, not collective sacrifice.
Lack of Community: Substituting Virtual Identity
The “going crazy” phenomenon also reflects a lack of community. Traditional communities like families and villages have eroded in modern society, weakening individual-social ties. Without genuine community support, youth turn to online platforms for identity and belonging. However, this virtual sense of identity cannot resolve real-world issues, potentially deepening loneliness and anxiety.
Triple Dilemmas: Lying Flat, Run, and “Last Generation”
The “going crazy” phenomenon is not isolated but connects to recent social trends like “lying flat,” “run” (emigration), and “we are the last generation.” These reflect varying youth attitudes toward social prospects, from short-term disillusionment (lying flat) to long-term distrust (run) to ultimate despair (last generation).
- Lying Flat Culture: Reflects short-term disillusionment with social progress.
- Run Culture: Emigration via study or work, signaling long-term distrust in societal development.
- “We Are the Last Generation”: Expresses despair about the future, rejecting reproduction, negating national interests.
“Going crazy” extends these trends, embodying youth’s quest for freedom amid multiple dilemmas. When no choice delivers true freedom or happiness, “no choice” or “going crazy” becomes a reluctant expression.
Forward-Looking Insights
The “going crazy” phenomenon sounds an alarm for society. Addressing youth pressures, rebuilding social trust, and fostering healthy community ties are critical challenges for policymakers and researchers.
- Address Youth Demands: Listen to youth voices, understand their needs, and craft targeted policies to address their challenges.
- Rebuild Social Trust: Promote fairness and justice, create equitable environments, and restore youth confidence in the future.
- Foster Healthy Communities: Encourage youth participation in social activities, hobbies, and real-world relationships to enhance social cohesion.
- Strengthen Mental Health Education: Improve youth resilience to manage stress and prevent extreme emotions.
“Going crazy” is not an end but a signal. Only by addressing this signal and analyzing its social roots can we find lasting solutions to create a brighter future for youth.