Professor Becomes Unlikely Chinese Youth Idol for Addressing Anxiety

An increasing number of young people in China are finding an unlikely idol in Professor Biao Xiang, a 54-year-old anthropologist whose lectures on navigating anxiety have garnered widespread attention. Xiang's discussions address the growing unease among China's Gen Z, who face pressures related to employment, relationships, and the relentless pace of societal change.

Xiang, who is the director of the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Germany, has become a prominent public figure for his willingness to openly discuss what he terms the "pain point of the times." His talks, often delivered in Mandarin, have drawn large crowds, with some events live-streamed due to auditorium capacity. Chinese media reports indicate that "When in doubt, ask Biao Xiang," has become a common saying.

During a recent event in Singapore, Xiang spoke to an audience of approximately 500, primarily from the Chinese diaspora, about the societal pressures young people experience. He noted how many seek validation through external systems, such as competitive exams and secure jobs, which can lead to a damaging link between external approval and self-worth. Xiang suggests that finding meaning and self-understanding through connections with others is a healthier approach.

These discussions come at a time when China's rapid economic and technological advancement has been accompanied by significant social and economic shifts. The country's youth face a landscape where traditional markers of success, like hard work leading to a secure job, are no longer as certain. Youth unemployment has been a significant concern, with official data on the subject being suspended. Furthermore, anxieties around long working hours, competitive work environments, and the “curse of 35” – the age after which it becomes more difficult to find new employment – are prevalent.

Xiang identifies societal trends like "floating," describing individuals working intensely simply to maintain their current standing, and "the nearby," referring to the neglect of immediate social connections in favor of focusing on the self or the distant global picture. These concepts seem to resonate with young people seeking explanations for their anxieties.

Online discussions reflect the impact of Xiang's work. Users on platforms like RedNote praise him for analyzing personal stress through macro-level causes and encouraging active engagement with life. They appreciate that he avoids platitudes and instead addresses real-life dilemmas directly. This direct approach has earned him a devoted following, with many viewing him as an "influencer" capable of encouraging independent thought.

Xiang, who grew up in Wenzhou during China's economic reforms, witnessed firsthand the entrepreneurial spirit that defined the nation's emergence. However, he observes that the slowing economy and changes in the job market have rendered the old formulas for success less effective, prompting a search for new narratives. He points to the real estate market and the expansion of higher education as factors contributing to increased pressure, creating a competitive environment where "1.4 billion people are all in the same race."

Despite some academic peers cautioning him about protecting his reputation, Xiang embraces his popularity, stating, "If someone calls me an influencer I'll take it as a compliment. Because the real influence I can have is to make people think for themselves."