#China #Shanghai #Soul App #Fudan University #Gen Z Trends

Embracing the Era of Self-Pleasure: The 2025 Gen Z Social Trend Report

The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Chinese Gen Z as they embark on an unprecedented journey of self-discovery and emotional connection. This notion is captured in the recent collaborative report by Soul App's research arm, Just So Soul, and the Center for Communication and State Governance Research at Fudan University. Drawing insights from over 11,253 valid surveys, the report emphasizes ten key themes that outline the social trends expected to shape their lives in 2025.

1. The Paperclip Paradox

The longing for love seems universal, yet many find themselves in a continuous loop of seeking and retreating. In 2024, discussions surrounding "romantic love" on Soul Square saw 3.59 million users engaged in conversations, reflecting both an interest in relationships and the rising prominence of singlehood. While some express a strong desire for meaningful connections, many also find solace in the independence of being single, driven by a mix of self-growth and emotional protection.

2. The 432Hz Connection

Facing daily life's constant noise, young people are increasingly drawn to the calming effects of ambient sound through initiatives like the #SilentConnectLive trend. This innovative auditory experience allows for genuine connections through shared silence rather than dialogues, offering an unexpected remedy for loneliness in urban lifestyles.

3. Soft-Boiled Egg Socializing

The desire for meaningful connections takes on a new shape as Gen Z seeks out 'Gu Liao' connections—someone to share life with without infringing too much on personal space. The rise of hashtags associated with this type of companionship shows a yearning for supportive, non-intrusive friendships.

4. The Smallest Unit of Certainty

The shift towards outdoor activities highlights a growing preference among youth to engage in sports and nature as avenues for mental well-being. The popularity of fitness-related activities and a sense of community in sports can be seen in the significant growth of related discussions on Soul, indicating a positive trend towards maintaining mental health through physical engagement.

5. E-Ibuprofen

In an intriguing twist, the concept of 'electronic ibuprofen' has emerged, where beloved character-based plush toys function as emotional comfort products for the youth. This trend emphasizes a mix of nostalgia and adult life’s trials as young individuals find happiness in tangible relics of their childhood.

6. Befriend AI

Looking to the future, many young people are open to the idea of forming friendships with AI entities. The feasibility of having virtual beings that understand their personal histories offers an appealing option for companionship in a tech-driven landscape.

7. Optimal Emotional Value for Money

Young consumers are now emphasizing emotional gratification over mere monetary value in their purchasing decisions. Trends indicate a significant inclination toward products that uplift their spirits, indicating a lifestyle choice that prioritizes joy and personal expression.

8. Letting Go of Hypersensitivity

As awareness grows around psychological health, the discourse surrounding narcissistic traits has gained momentum. Engaging with concepts like NPD has encouraged many to evaluate personal relationships and develop a deeper understanding of their emotional contexts.

9. From Pixels to People

Contrary to the stereotype of digital addiction, there's a resurgence in offline socialization as young people strive to reconnect with real-life experiences. This shift suggests that while technology plays a crucial role, it also serves as a bridge toward valuing physical interactions.

10. Reenchantment

In response to the disenchantment with modern life, younger generations are finding ways to spark joy through creative expression and personal endeavors. This journey towards reenchantment reflects their desire to cultivate a fulfilling and passionate existence, recognizing that their ideal life is characterized more by personal hobbies and autonomy rather than societal expectations.

Conclusion

The 2025 Gen Z Social Trend Report provides critical insights into how Chinese youth are navigating a world rich with complexities. As they explore self-pleasure, deeper emotional ties, and community building, this generation is setting new social norms while preserving their uniqueness in a rapidly changing society.