China's spy agency claims 'lying flat' movement is foreign plot

China's Ministry of State Security has accused unnamed overseas groups of "weaponizing" the "lying flat" concept, a social movement that has gained significant traction among young people. The agency claims these foreign forces are using "lying flat brainwashing" to undermine China's development by eroding young people's belief in striving and weakening core social values.

What began as a niche subculture around 2021, primarily associated with individuals dropping out of the "rat race" and surviving on odd jobs during the pandemic, has evolved into a mainstream phenomenon. The "lying flat" ethos now encompasses a broader demographic, including successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and even risk-averse officials, all seeking to avoid extra work in an era of intense competition and diminishing returns.

However, the intelligence agency's assertion of foreign influence has been met with skepticism online. A flood of social media comments revealed that many users feel their exhaustion and disillusionment are homegrown issues, not the result of external manipulation. One user sarcastically remarked, "So my exhaustion isn’t from overwork – it was the CIA all along," highlighting the disconnect between the official narrative and the lived experiences of many Chinese youth.

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So my exhaustion isn’t from overwork – it was the CIA all along.