How “Goblin Mode” Captures a Generational Discontent in China

“Goblins” or “lying flat,” youth east and west unite in leisure

The popularity of embracing one’s “inner goblin” on social media points to deeper shifts amongst young people worldwide. Coined in 2022 to describe rejecting rigid social ideals, Goblin Mode living promotes rejecting standards of productivity and appearance in favor of “just giving up”.

This “Just Give Up” living style has also been promoted by American Twitch streamer, YouTuber, and content creator Asmongold; and more American youth are adopting this approach.

Strikingly, Chinese youth have been exploring similar concepts under the widely-discussed term 躺平 (Tang Ping), meaning “lying flat.” At its core, it encourages just to give up and lie down, spending habits and relationships to make way for simpler pleasures.

Isn’t it fascinating that despite very different political environments and education systems between communism and capitalism, youth in both countries are expressing similar sentiments?

Beyond superficial differences, these grassroots movements highlight a profound disillusionment many feel with the demands of conventionally “successful” living. As costs of living rise while wages stagnate, the imperative for constant self-optimization seems out of step with reality.

Where once wandering and leisure were tempered by purpose, now they are ends in themselves. Both cultures acknowledge the futility of toiling just to tread water financially. As such, a philosophy of present-focused living without judgment finds appeal.

There are also political implications as these generations feel increasingly sidelined from meaningful participation in systems they perceive as rigged. Their choices represent an informal protest, however uncoordinated, against conformity for its own sake.

While dismissible as slackers to some, proponents argue their stances cultivate community through shared joys rather than status. Ultimately, these global youth movements suggest a quiet cultural and economic revolution, one conversation and experience at a time.

A “Goblin” seeking leisure arrives at similar conclusions regardless of borders. It seems a new form of shared destiny may be emerging between the youth of China and the West.