The “Lying Flat” Phenomenon. A worrying global trend is spreading around the world.

What is the “Lying Flat” phenomenon?

It is a movement/slang term that describes the attitude of refusing to conform to social pressure: overworking, striving for success, and consuming to affirm oneself. Instead, people choose to live a minimalist life, “doing just enough,” and not climbing the career ladder if the cost (stress, debt, time) is too high. The Chinese term is 躺平 (tǎng píng, “lying flat”), and it gained widespread popularity from 2020–2021.

Where did it originate?

It saw a strong public emergence in China (an influential post on the Baidu Tieba forum in April 2021 is considered the starting point for its spread), reflecting fatigue with extreme work culture (e.g., “996”) and economic/housing pressures after COVID. The state and official media in China have reacted strongly, urging people “not to support” this ideology.

What’s happening in other North/East Asian countries?

In the North/East Asian region, there are similar but not identical phenomena:

• Japan: There are concepts like the satori generation (indifferent to material possessions) and hikikomori (social withdrawal). These are long-term expressions of giving up and retreating from social pressure.
• South Korea: Similar terms and phenomena exist (N-po generation, “honjok,” etc.) that reflect young people postponing or abandoning traditional life steps like marriage and homeownership due to economic instability. (Researchers compare these phenomena to “lying flat.”)

This attitude of “giving up and shrinking desires” is appearing in various forms throughout the region, not just in China, and it varies based on each country’s economic context, housing prices, and employment situation.

In China: “Tang-ping” (躺平)

• Manifestation / Nature: It’s a movement/slang that encourages “doing just enough” and refusing to compete in work and consumption. It’s a protest against the “996” culture and the pressure to buy a house and achieve social success. It gained traction as a social media trend in 2021.
• Timeline / Origin: It spread rapidly from mid-2021 (posts and memes went viral on forums, and international media noticed it in 2021). The state and mainstream media in China reacted with criticism, while some academic voices and media outlets expressed sympathy, describing it as a reaction to economic conditions.
• Notable Economic Data / Drivers: The unemployment rate for the 16–24 age group has risen sharply in recent years—official data and international reports cite double-digit figures (e.g., 17–18% in 2025 according to media reports). Job pressure, “degree inflation,” and housing prices are key factors contributing to this trend.
• Reaction & Consequences: State media has condemned it. Researchers note that this is a structural problem (precarious employment, high cost of living) and express concern about its impact on birth rates and the labor force.

In Japan: “Satori Generation,” “Hikikomori,” and the “Less is More” Attitude

• Manifestation / Nature: While there isn’t one exact “lying flat” term, there are many similar concepts: satori generation (indifference to wealth and promotion), hikikomori (social withdrawal), and phenomena like NEETs and freeters. These are long-standing trends resulting from a loss of consumer drive and stable employment opportunities.
• Data / Drivers: Japan’s youth unemployment rate is low compared to China (e.g., ~3–4% youth unemployment in late 2023–2024, according to compiled data). However, the low fertility rate (TFR ≈ 1.20 for 2023) and the cost of living/housing in major cities are reducing the desire for marriage and childbearing.
• Reaction & Consequences: In Japan, the issue has been a long-term topic of discussion (labor policies, mental health support, encouraging flexible work). A major difference is that the “lying flat” phenomenon in Japan is often tied to long-standing social issues like an aging population and social withdrawal.

In South Korea: “N-po Generation,” “Honjok,” “4B”

• Manifestation / Nature: Young people use terms like N-po (giving up many things: dating, marriage, homeownership…), honjok (preferring to live alone), and the 4B movement (giving up on four things: dating, marriage, childbirth, and certain social relationships). The reasons are similar: high housing costs, job competition, and income inequality.
• Data / Drivers: South Korea’s youth unemployment is low or average (e.g., 2025 youth unemployment data is around 5–6%, based on short-term data from TradingEconomics updated in 2025). The more serious concern is the extremely low fertility rate (2023/2024: ~0.7–0.75), which has the government very worried and has led to the implementation of numerous policies to encourage childbirth.
• Reaction & Consequences: The South Korean government views the birth crisis and the rejection of tradition as a demographic threat. They have introduced many stimulus packages and incentives, but the impact has been very limited. There are now signs of a persistent policy to increase subsidies and family support.

In Vietnam: The Emergence of a Local “Lying Flat” Trend

Currently, there is no clear “lying flat” trend documented in Vietnam. It has not emerged as a distinct trend among young people as it has in North and Northeast Asian countries.

• Manifestation / Nature: From late 2022 to 2024, regional media has noted similar phenomena among Vietnamese youth: doing the bare minimum, stopping the race of excessive consumerism, and online debates about “living sufficiently” versus “minimalist living.” A regional overview article wrote about “Vietnamese youth join Chinese trend of ‘lying flat'” (SCMP).
• Data / Drivers: Vietnam’s youth unemployment rate (15–24) according to official datasets/FRED is around 6.3–6.8% (2023–2024), which is much lower than China’s (China’s youth jobless data is at a very high double-digit level during recruitment seasons). At the same time, Vietnam’s TFR is ≈ 1.9 (2023), which has fallen below the replacement level. The government recently (2025) has taken steps to change population policies due to aging concerns.
• Reaction & Consequences: In Vietnam, the phenomenon is still “not as big” as in China or South Korea but is being noticed by the media and researchers as a sign of pressure from housing, income, and the desire for work-life balance. The “lying flat” phenomenon may not be a serious concern for Vietnam yet. However, this is a dangerous trend, and it needs to be monitored closely.

Is It Becoming a Global Phenomenon?

There are signs it’s developing globally: concepts in the West like “quiet quitting” or the “Great Resignation” reflect similar motivations—protesting against tying one’s self-worth to work and labor intensity. Young people in many countries are re-prioritizing income, mental health, and personal time. Many commentators and scholars see “lying flat” as part of a global trend reacting to precarious labor, debt, and inequality.

What are the concerns for society?

The main concerns, cited in reports and academic/policy analyses, are:

• Macroeconomics & Labor: If a large group of young people reduces their active labor participation, it could affect productivity and increase the burden on social security systems as the population ages. (This concern is mentioned in analyses about its impact on growth and innovation).
• Population & Fertility: Postponing or refusing marriage and childbirth (partly due to housing costs and career pressure) can worsen the trend of low birth rates. (This is a common concern in many East Asian countries).
• Mental Health & Social Issues: Some manifestations (like hikikomori) are closely linked to isolation and depression, requiring medical intervention and family support.
• Generational & Political Conflict: The “lying flat” attitude can increase tension between the younger generation and the views of the state and businesses. In some countries (e.g., China), the state is cautious because it fears the impact on its economic development ambitions, leading to a response of media regulation or control.

What can countries do?

The “lying flat” phenomenon reflects structural problems (precarious employment, high cost of living, inequality, lack of social safety nets), not just “laziness.” To reduce the harm, policies are needed to improve labor conditions, social safety nets, mental health care, housing policies, and intergenerational dialogue. This is what many experts recommend when analyzing the phenomenon.