“Lying flat” amongst secondary students in Hong Kong
(This post includes excerpts from a 2024 study by YWCA. Read the original post in Chinese here.)
"Lying flat" (躺平) is a concept that gained prominence in 2021 amongst the younger generation in mainland China. It encapsulates an individual's conscious decision to reject societal expectations related to work, family, and education, primarily targeting the perceived diminishing returns of these pressures (echoing aspects of “quiet quitting”). This phenomenon has also sparked widespread discussion, often portrayed as an attitude of avoidance or disengagement. However, a closer look at how young people interpret this phenomenon may reveal a more nuanced picture.
A survey conducted by the YWCA (Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association) between September and November 2024, involving 990 students from Form 1 to Form 6 (years 7 to 12), revealed that 27% of respondents self-identified as “lying flat” for at least a month. Notably, approximately half of these respondents (52.4%, or N=140) belonged to grades F1-F3. Considering the broader Hong Kong secondary school population, which comprises around 330,000 students, the article suggested that approximately 88,000 secondary students may be engaging with this trend.
Furthermore, the survey found that among these respondents, around 71% linked “lying flat” to laziness, 61% to a leisurely lifestyle, 56% to avoiding homework, 52% to studying without seeking high grades, 47% to having no specific interests or goals, and 46% to lacking imagination for their future.
However, it’s crucial to explore how other students perceive and interpret the concept of “lying flat.”
| How long have middle-school students been "lying flat"? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Number of Students | Percentage |
| 1-3 months | 78 | 29.2% |
| 4-6 months | 34 | 12.7% |
| 7-9 months | 24 | 9.0% |
| 10-12 months | 21 | 7.9% |
| 1-3 years | 52 | 19.5% |
| 3 years or more | 58 | 21.7% |
| Total (of students admitting to "lying flat") | 267 | 100% |
When asked about the meaning of the term “lying flat,” the students’ responses revealed a surprising contrast to the general public’s perception of it as an attitude of avoidance. For many students, "lying flat" is not about laziness or apathy—it’s a conscious rejection of societal pressures to excel financially, academically, and socially. At its core, it represents a desire to prioritize personal well-being and contentment over external expectations. The survey further revealed that more than half of the students held neutral views of this phenomenon, while approximately 13% viewed it positively. In contrast, the remaining ~35% viewed it negatively. More notably, 48% of the total respondents expressed support for their friends who wishes to adopt this attitude, indicating a growing acceptance of this attitude among peers.
| Descriptions of "lying flat" | Agree (%) | Disagree (%) |
|---|---|---|
| I do not pursue luxury cars; having a means of transportation is enough | 793（80.1%） | 197（19.9%） |
| I would choose a job that suits me, even if others see it as unprofessional | 792（80.0%） | 198（20.0%） |
| I will not force myself into meaningless social interactions | 699（70.6%） | 291（29.4%） |
| I do not care about others' opinions and lives | 364（36.8%） | 626（63.2%） |
| The fast-paced modern life is hard to cope with; I would rather choose a slow-paced lifestyle | 550（55.6%） | 440（44.4%） |
| Meeting basic survival needs is sufficient; I do not want to spend time and energy on anything else | 530（53.5%） | 460（46.5%） |
| If I cannot afford a house, I won't buy one; renting is also a viable life-long option | 467（47.2%） | 523（52.8%） |
Among the students who admitted to being “lying flat,” different interpretations emerged and were categorized in the survey results. It seems that for many respondents who claim to be “lying flat,” the primary focus was indeed on their personal freedom to adopt this attitude, while the fewest believe it was influenced by others. Additionally, many respondents also indicated hopeless thoughts that contributed to their current “lying flat,” suggesting at least a partially pessimistic outlook on their current or future state.
| Types of "Lying Flat" | Sample description | No. (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Type | "Lying flat" is personal freedom "Lying flat" helps me feel comfortable and free "Lying flat" is the product from weighing pros and cons |
139（52.5%） |
| No Family Plan Type | I don't plan to get married or start a family I don't plan to have kids I don't plan to buy a house/own property |
77（29.1%） |
| Directionless Type | I have no clear directions after graduation I don't understand the purpose of studying I have yet to find what I'm interested in |
75（28.3%） |
| Hopeless Type | I have tried hard but have not succeeded There are few opportunities for upward social mobility I think my future wages won't be high |
62（23.4%） |
| Pressure Type | I feel a lot of pressure from studying I want to redirect myself I disagree with the mainstream value on achievements |
52（19.6%） |
| Social Environment Type | "Lying flat" is the result of social media influence "Lying flat" is supported by friends I can rely on my parents in the future |
41（15.5%） |
Drawing parallels from past findings by Hong Kong youths
A 2022 survey by the Society for Community Organization, which included 100 grassroots youths aged 15 to 25, provided further insights into this phenomenon. While 71% of respondents identified "lying flat" as a concern, their attitudes toward those who adopted this mindset were mixed:
Negative Views (37%): Some criticized "lying flat" for promoting complacency (50%) and/or as a surrender to one’s environment (43%).
Positive Views (12%): Others saw it as a valid personal choice (57%), a form of adaptation to one’s surroundings (28%), and/or a way to achieve contentment (27%).
When asked whether they would choose to "lie flat," 23% of respondents said yes, citing reasons such as:
Being content with their current situation (30%),
Exercising personal choice (28%), or
Feeling hopeless about the future (27%).
In contrast, 57% said they would not adopt this attitude, believing that:
Perseverance and hard work bring hope (50%),
Lack of motivation leads to mental stagnation (42%), or
Yielding to reality is unacceptable (33%).
How Can Counselling Help?
From a counselling perspective, "lying flat" can be seen as a coping mechanism for individuals who feel trapped by societal expectations. Many young people today face immense pressure to excel academically, secure high-paying jobs, and meet familial obligations. When these expectations feel unattainable or meaningless, disengagement can seem like the only way to protect one’s mental health.
Common underlying issues may include:
Burnout: Prolonged stress and exhaustion from academic or extracurricular demands.
Hopelessness: A belief that hard work won’t lead to success or happiness, particularly due to circumstances outside of one’s control.
Lack of Autonomy: Feeling controlled by external expectations rather than pursuing personal passions.
Fear of Failure: Avoiding effort to protect oneself from disappointment, failure, or judgment.
As observed in the students’ and youths’ interpretations, "lying flat" may be a way to reclaim a sense of control and prioritize mental well-being. However, prolonged disengagement can also lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and a lack of purpose.
Counselling can play a vital role in supporting individuals who are "lying flat" or considering this path. By providing a safe and nonjudgmental space, counsellors can help individuals explore the root causes of their disengagement and develop healthier coping strategies. Here are some ways counselling can make a difference:
Identifying Underlying Issues:
Counsellors can help young people uncover the emotional and psychological factors driving their decision to "lie flat," whether it’s burnout from school, prolonged anxiety in trying to meet expectations, or a sense of hopelessness about their future.Rebuilding Motivation:
Through goal-setting and self-reflection, counsellors can work with individuals to rediscover their passions and set realistic, meaningful goals.Developing Coping Strategies:
Counselling can equip young people with tools to manage stress, build resilience, and navigate societal pressures. This may be done in various ways, such as learning skills to confront common stressful situations, or adopting mindfulness techniques to handle emotionally overwhelming events.Fostering Self-Compassion:
Many young people who "lie flat" may struggle with feelings of guilt or inadequacy. Counsellors can work with them to develop a systematic approach towards building up self-esteem and reducing self-blame.Encouraging Open Communication:
Counsellors can facilitate conversations between young people and their families or educators, helping to bridge understanding and reduce conflict that may spawn from misaligned expectations.
The "lying flat" phenomenon presents a nuanced issue that encapsulates the struggles encountered by contemporary youth. Instead of labeling it as mere laziness or indifference, an empathetic approach can foster greater self-understanding and encourage proactive changes in one’s life. The intricate nature of this phenomenon allows for the varied treatment approaches, ensuring that its underlying causes are effectively addressed rather than being generalized. By focusing on these root issues and offering substantial support, counsellors can aid young individuals in rekindling their motivation and paving the way for a more hopeful future.
If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of disengagement or “lying flat”, reaching out to a counsellor, psychologist, or a psychiatrist can be the first step toward healing and growth. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help—and it’s never too late to find your path forward.
