Survey reveals over 60pc of students don't view "lying flat" negatively

Society should not “demonize” the “lying flat attitude,” especially after a survey revealed that more than 60 percent of secondary school students do not view the term negatively.

“Lying flat,” or “tang ping” in Chinese, reflects a mindset among Chinese youth who prefer to adopt a more relaxed approach to life rather than pursue constant productivity.

The YWCA conducted a poll of 990 secondary school students across the city between September and November last year. 

The findings were revealing: 52.6 percent of respondents remained neutral toward “lying flat,” while 34.8 percent perceived it negatively, and only 12.6 percent viewed it positively. 

Notably, 48 percent expressed they would “support their friends to lie flat.”

Also, 27 percent of students -- 276 individuals -- reported that they have already “lied flat,” with 41.2 percent of them having done so for at least a year. 

Among these students, 60 to 70 percent attributed their “lying flat” attitude to laziness and a desire for a relaxed lifestyle. 

Also, 50 percent admitted to not submitting homework, underperforming academically, and avoiding social interactions as part of this mindset.

Interestingly, 40 to 50 percent of these students described the “lying flat” attitude as lacking special interests or goals, with a notable absence of imagination about their future lives.

More than half of the respondents viewed “lying flat” as a personal freedom decision, indicating their desire to strike a balance between its pros and cons.

Kwok Yi-chung, chief officer (Youth and Community Service) of the YWCA, suggests that students may choose to "lie flat" as a means of taking a temporary break or because they have yet to realize their life goals.

Instead of blaming these youngsters for their choices, Kwok advocates for a more understanding approach from parents and society at large. 

He emphasizes the importance of not demonizing the lying flat attitude and encourages an open-minded perspective on teenagers’ career planning. 

“We don’t have to mention those two words all the time,” he said.

(Eunice Lam)