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Absolute Spirit and Modernity Anxiety: The Generative Logic of 'Lie Flat' Among Chinese University Students

Author(s)

Liu Tuoyu

Affiliation(s)

School of Marxism, Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, Tianjin, China

Abstract

In recent years, the "lying flat" phenomenon has gradually emerged among Chinese university students, characterized by academic burnout, low-desire consumption, and lowered career expectations. This phenomenon represents both passive resistance to a hyper-competitive society and a psychological coping strategy for youth facing structural pressures. Based on social stress theory, generational difference theory, and psychological defense mechanism theory, this study explores the generative logic, influencing factors, and social impact of the lying flat phenomenon among Chinese university students. Research findings indicate that the causes of lying flat are multidimensional, including macroeconomic downturns, employment challenges, and high housing prices at the macro level; academic involution and conflicts with family expectations at the meso level; and reduced self-efficacy and value reconstruction at the micro level. While the lying flat phenomenon may alleviate individual anxiety in the short term, it could weaken societal innovation vitality and exacerbate intergenerational inequality in the long run. Accordingly, this study proposes multi-faceted solutions, including educational reform, labor market optimization, social security enhancement, and cultural guidance, to build a more inclusive environment for youth development. This research not only deepens the understanding of contemporary university students' psychological states and behavioral choices but also provides a theoretical foundation for relevant policy-making.

Keywords

Lying Flat Phenomenon; University Students; Involution; Social Stress; Generational Differences; Psychological Defense

References

[1]Feng, S. (2025). Rebirth from the shadows: A psychological counseling case study on students’ "lie flat" mentality. Xin Banzhuren (New Class Teacher), (7), 38–39. [2]Ma, S., Wang, H., Wang, X., et al. (2024). Prevalence of the "lie flat" behavior and its association with depressive symptoms among university students in three Chinese provinces. Chinese Journal of School Health, 45(6), 844–848+853. [3] Liu, N., & Meng, L. (2023). Approaches to addressing the "lie flat" phenomenon among university students. Pinwei Jingdian (Taste Classics), (21), 48-50.