The Chinese government launched a two-month campaign to curb what it calls “excessively exaggerated negative and pessimistic sentiments" on social media, as economic troubles and rising youth frustration fuel waves of online despondency.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced that the initiative aims to “rectify negative emotions" and promote a “more civilised and rational online environment." In its sights are popular narratives such as “studying is useless" and “hard work is useless," along with content that encourages “world-weariness."

China Cracking Down On Gloom

China is facing an economic slowdown driven by a property crisis, soaring youth unemployment and fierce competition for education and jobs. These pressures have spurred what analysts describe as a generatio

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