From online “overseas shopping” to online competition, Chinese young people enjoy digital life
On October 24th, during an interview with Zhang Guangquan from China News Service, 23-year-old Liu Caifei from Nanning shared her thoughts on the convenience of online shopping, especially during the upcoming “Double 11” shopping festival. “You don’t even have to leave your house to compare prices and find the best value products. Plus, e-commerce platforms are becoming more user-friendly, making returns and exchanges extremely easy.”
Liu’s online shopping habits reflect a broader trend among young people in China embracing a digital lifestyle. This generation enjoys a variety of online activities, including socializing, shopping, learning, and gaming—all facilitated by the digital wave sweeping the nation.
In a modern café in Nanning, 23-year-old Tan Yuesheng expressed his enthusiasm for online socializing. “For me, online socializing opens up a world of endless possibilities,” he said, while sipping his coffee and replying to messages on his phone. “Thanks to social media platforms, I can keep in touch with old friends and share moments from my life, while also meeting new people from different backgrounds and interests.”
Tan opened his phone to show a rich tapestry of social groups he’s a part of, including a badminton enthusiasts group where members exchange match videos and techniques, coordinating to form teams for competitions. “This kind of cross-regional and time-spanning interaction makes my life so much more colorful,” he noted.
As the graduate exam season approaches, 24-year-old Hu Ruizhe is making the most of online courses to prepare. “Online learning allows me to utilize fragmented time effectively,” he explained. “Whether it’s specialized knowledge or general courses, I can find high-quality resources online.” He mentioned studying English and political science through an online learning app, highlighting the flexibility to learn at his own pace while engaging in discussions with teachers and peers.
In a gaming-themed internet café in Nanning, young bank employee Luo Ziwu was absorbed in a computer game, headphones on and fingers deftly navigating the keyboard and mouse. “Electronic entertainment is my best way to unwind. When I play online games, I experience thrilling adventures and the joy of teamwork,” he shared. In his spare time, Luo expands his horizons by watching online videos and listens to audiobooks while doing chores or commuting, maximizing his learning opportunities.
Dr. Yao Hua, director of the Sociology Research Institute at the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, commented on the enthusiasm of young Chinese people for digital living. “This reflects the rapid societal development and technological advancement we’re experiencing,” he noted, adding that while digital lifestyles bring many conveniences and joys, it’s crucial for young people to maintain a sense of balance. He emphasized the importance of protecting personal privacy in online interactions, being mindful of spending habits when shopping online, ensuring effective and systematic learning, and managing time spent on entertainment to prevent immersion.
Yao concluded, “Digital living has opened a colorful door for young people in China, but navigating its benefits and pitfalls while leveraging digital resources for personal growth is a vital consideration for every young individual.”