Vincent's parents 'never say he's good enough' - so he turned to a middle-aged couple online
Summary
Many young people in China feel pressured by their parents to succeed and often do not receive emotional support at home. Some have turned to social media “virtual parents,” a middle-aged couple who offer kind and encouraging words online, to find comfort and understanding.Key Facts
- Vincent Zhang, a tech worker in Shanghai, follows a middle-aged couple online who act as “virtual parents” and offer warm, supportive messages.
- The couple, Pan Huqian and Zhang Xiuping, have nearly two million followers on Douyin, China’s TikTok.
- Many young Chinese use the virtual parents to share life stories and seek birthday blessings.
- Vincent feels his real parents criticize his career choices and personal life, making phone calls stressful.
- Pan Huqian said his own childhood was difficult, and he now tries to create a loving atmosphere for his daughter through their online videos.
- Chinese youth face high unemployment rates of over 15%, increasing pressure and feelings of burnout.
- The government promotes traditional values of filial piety, asking youth to be more understanding of their parents.
- Young people in China are rethinking parenting and expressing frustrations with the pressures and emotional challenges in their family relationships.
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