Chinese youth find comfort in cute webcomic characters facing modern struggles
Young people in China are turning to internet content featuring small creatures to soothe anxieties about societal pressure and surveillance.
Digital ibuprofen soothes anxiety
A host of online content has emerged as a way for young people to numb the pains of modern living. This material is viewed by observers as digital ibuprofen that helps manage the anxieties of daily life.
Chiikawa leads the trend
The most popular example at the moment is the Japanese webcomic Chiikawa, which launched in 2020. The story follows small emotional creatures working jobs like weeding and monster hunting within a post-apocalyptic gig economy.
Characters maintain positivity
These animals face challenges such as taking exams for higher pay and suffering burnout while trying to avoid scams. Amid these difficulties, the characters manage to maintain positivity by cultivating friendships and sharing delicious food.
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