Chinese Youth

Last few days I did an ethnographic research on Chinese teens. I went to their home, played ball games with them, and went shopping with them.

Though I am a Chinese, I found that Chinese youth are so different from what I expected. There are a couple things that surprised me.

- No more little Emperor: China has lots of opportunties, but there are even intensive competition than ever. They have very high self-control on their lives, e.g. one boy said that he would not date any girls since dating will take up the time for studying, or one girl said there are only two types of people in China, one learning at all times, the one playing at all times, she would definitely be the one who learns more.

- Me Win, My family Win: Chinese teens still remained their family values, especially responsibility. They bear all the duties to provide a better future for the entire family, e.g. many teenagers mentioned they want to buy a bigger house and provide a better living standard.

- Live now, Looking for relaxing moments: They knew once they graduate from school, they need to face the reality world. Teenagers try to enjoy themselves during studying time.

- Afraid of Loneliness: Single child wants to have companion at all times. Online/ Mobile is a perfect platform for them to connect and be connected. E.g. One teenger always keep their phone on their hands. One teenager will play online videoes at the same time with his friends, then chat online after the videoes.

- Small dream, Small goal: Since they are aware how tough the world is, they are very practical about lives. They only thinks about public exams, the furthest they will consider what types of job they would like to have after college graduation. One teens said China is so unpredictable, so how come I should think further.

- Era of Innovation: Teens now experience an open, rich-information, high-tech, free and ever-changing society. Teens thinks new China is about freedom, indviduality and challenging conventions. Life should be full of extraordinary surprises.

Originally I was a bit worried about the future of China. Afer vising the post 80s generation, I think the future of China will be as bright as sunshine. Cheers for the next generation of New China.