BEIJING — China's internet regulator has launched a campaign to suppress online content deemed "excessively pessimistic," targeting social media users who voice doubts about economic conditions or personal prospects. The Cyberspace Administration of China began its two-month cleanup in late September, aiming to curb sentiments that authorities believe exaggerate negativity or promote what officials call "defeatist narratives."
Censors specifically target content that "excessively exaggerates negative and pessimistic sentiment" or promotes ideas like "hard work is useless," according to agency notices. The directive extends beyond traditional political dissent to encompass public mood itself.
Several prominent figures have faced penalties. Two bloggers who advocated a lifestyle of reduced work and pressure saw their accounts suspended. An influencer who argued against marriage and children for financial reasons was also targeted. A commentator who observed that China's quality of life lags behind Western countries faced restrictions. Some of these individuals had tens of millions of followers before suspension or account restrictions.
China's state broadcaster CCTV supported the campaign in an editorial, stating: "The internet is not a dumping ground for negativity." CCTV acknowledged that fatigue and anxiety from work and life are real but said they "should not be deliberately amplified for traffic."
The campaign reflects concern among China's leadership about public discontent as the country faces economic uncertainty, U.S. rivalry, and growing disenchantment among younger people. In recent years, some young Chinese have embraced movements like "lying flat," which involves opting out of intense competition, or "letting it rot," signifying a rejection of conventional goals. Beijing views these trends as threats to social stability.
The targeting of pessimistic content follows earlier censorship efforts concerning economic inequality. A viral video of a retiree living on a monthly pension of 150 yuan was removed, as was a singer's satirical song about poor job prospects.
Shan Wei, a senior research fellow of Chinese politics at the National University of Singapore, said the government has long recognized economic inequality as destabilizing and sees a need to address public perception of these issues.
Dr. Luo, a commentator on Chinese politics, said top-down ideological campaigns struggle to eradicate the social roots of discontent. He noted that pessimism persists when the economy appears weak, the job market is competitive, and the birth rate declines.
