Hit podcasts reveal the angst of China’s youth
The government is getting twitchy about their growing popularity
In 2007, David Brooks, an American columnist, coined the term "odyssey years" to describe the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. This year, the phrase "aodesai shiqi" has gained popularity in China, as young people grapple with issues such as finding employment, forming relationships, and purchasing homes. State media offers limited guidance, leading more individuals to seek support through an independent platform: podcasts.
Fu Yu, a 34-year-old podcaster, hosts a popular show titled "Qingdao Kuaima," where he provides reassurance to his half-million listeners. He explains that the odyssey years can turn life's challenges into a heroic journey of personal growth. As China's podcast industry has experienced significant growth, now surpassing America in user numbers, the medium has become a vital avenue for young people dealing with anxiety, confusion, and pain.
China's first major podcast platform, Xiaoyuzhou, or "Little Universe," was launched in 2020, simplifying the process of creating and hosting podcasts. Over 150 million users tune in for an average of 80 minutes daily, with more than 80% falling within the 18 to 35 age range. While not directly controlled by the government, podcasts still adhere to censorship guidelines, allowing more open discussion on topics like gender and feminism.
Unlike platforms like Douyin, which are prone to censorship, podcasts' extended format enables reflection and nuanced discussion. For instance, Liu Hongxing, a data analyst, credits a popular personal growth podcast for introducing her to the concept of self-improvement beyond intellectual growth. This shift in mindset is evident in the most popular podcast genre on Xiaoyuzhou, which now centers on personal growth, with topics such as meditation, therapy, and understanding life's inherent difficulties.
Podcast hosts like Fu Yu emphasize the challenges young people face, such as finding stable employment or deciding to opt out of the rat race. They seek guidance from their peers, often turning to podcasts for support. Even older professionals participate, like Qian Jing, a professor who invites listeners to call in with their woes and offers coping strategies for burnout and finding meaning in life.
The rising popularity of podcasts poses a challenge for censors. AI-driven content screening and guidelines for "mainstream values" are being implemented. Some podcasts, even those hosted by older individuals, face temporary restrictions, but listeners are advised on how to access the content elsewhere.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
