China wants a ‘happy world’ on the internet for Lunar New Year: no anxiety or ‘marriage phobia’
China is launching a campaign to promote a positive online environment during the Lunar New Year celebrations, aiming to suppress negative emotions like anxiety and marriage rejection.
In an effort to foster a cheerful and harmonious atmosphere for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, China has initiated an extensive digital campaign that seeks to eliminate negative sentiments from online discourse. This campaign specifically highlights the government's desire to rectify what it sees as harmful expressions of anxiety surrounding topics such as reproductive pressure and marital issues. The initiative comes during the Spring Festival period, which officially commenced recently and is a significant time for cultural celebration in China.
The Chinese government, which exercises stringent control over the media and internet, aims to suppress pessimism and complaints related to family tensions and child-rearing struggles. By promoting a "happy world," the campaign directly addresses what authorities consider to be the malevolent incitement of negative emotions that could disrupt the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year. This strategy is part of a broader effort to influence public sentiment and shape social attitudes in alignment with state objectives.
This push for a positive digital space reflects the complexities of social expectations in China, where marriage and family life are often fraught with societal pressures. By discouraging discussions around ‘marriage phobia’ and emphasizing a facade of joy and contentment, the authorities are not only directing civic discourse but also attempting to craft a more idealistic picture of societal relationships during a period traditionally filled with family reunions and celebration. Such initiatives raise questions about personal expression and the emphasis on collective happiness mandated by the state, showcasing the tension between individual sentiments and governmental control.