The ‘rat person’ trend is here – and I thoroughly approve | Arwa Mahdawi

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"The Rise of the 'Rat Person' Trend Among Young People in China"

The ‘rat person’ trend is here – and I thoroughly approve | Arwa Mahdawi analysis cover image The Guardian 7.6
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/29/the-rat-person-trend-is-here-and-i-thoroughly-approve
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TruthLens AI Summary

In Zhejiang province, China, a woman known as @jiawensishi embodies the 'rat person' trend, which has gained popularity as a lifestyle choice among many young people. This trend reflects a growing disillusionment with the pressures of modern life, particularly those associated with career advancement and societal expectations. 'Rat people' are characterized by their preference for a laid-back existence, prioritizing activities such as eating, sleeping, and leisurely scrolling through their devices, often at the expense of traditional productivity. The 'lying flat' movement that emerged a few years ago, which highlighted a similar desire to opt out of the relentless hustle culture, can be seen as a precursor to this new trend. It appears that the struggles associated with high living costs and dreary weather in places like the UK have further catalyzed this lifestyle among Chinese students, who often choose to isolate themselves indoors to conserve their energy and mental well-being.

Despite the apparent anti-capitalist sentiment that the 'rat person' movement might represent, there is a paradoxical commercialization occurring within it. Merchandise featuring Big Rat, a cartoon character that has become the unofficial mascot of the trend, has reportedly generated significant revenue, indicating that even the most laid-back lifestyles can be monetized. Influencers are also capitalizing on this trend, with some using the 'rat person' concept to market various products, including skincare. This commercialization raises questions about the authenticity of the movement and whether it can truly escape the grasp of capitalism. As the trend evolves, it seems likely that it will continue to influence both social behavior and consumer culture, leading to further developments such as potential cryptocurrency initiatives like RatCoin, illustrating that even in a culture of relaxation, the capitalist engine remains in motion.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article highlights an emerging trend in China known as the "rat person" phenomenon, which resonates with a growing discontent toward traditional societal expectations. This trend seems to reflect a broader cultural shift where individuals, particularly the youth, are increasingly rejecting the fast-paced demands of modern life in favor of a more laid-back lifestyle.

Cultural Commentary on Work Ethic

The rise of the "rat person" phenomenon mirrors previous movements like "lying flat," suggesting a generational response to the pressures of capitalism and materialism. By embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes relaxation and minimal effort, these individuals may be signaling their disillusionment with societal norms that equate success with constant productivity. This trend may be seen as a form of passive resistance against workaholism that has characterized much of contemporary society.

Impact on Mental Health Perception

The article discusses how the lifestyle choice of becoming a "rat person" is often linked with mental health struggles. By openly identifying as "rat people," individuals may be attempting to destigmatize mental health issues, promoting a narrative that prioritizes self-care over societal expectations. The trend could facilitate discussions about mental well-being, especially among young people who might feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

Commercialization of a Rebellion

Interestingly, despite the apparent anti-capitalist sentiment associated with being a "rat person," the movement has also seen commercial success. The emergence of merchandise like the Big Rat character highlights how cultural phenomena can be monetized, even when they are initially framed as a rejection of consumerism. This duality raises questions about authenticity and whether the movement can maintain its original intent while also participating in the marketplace.

Societal Implications

The implications of this trend may extend beyond individual lifestyle choices. As more individuals embrace this mentality, there could be broader societal shifts in how work-life balance is viewed. This trend may also influence the economy, as consumer behaviors shift toward goods and services that cater to a more relaxed lifestyle, potentially impacting industries such as travel, entertainment, and wellness.

Target Demographics

The phenomenon seems to resonate particularly with younger generations, especially students studying abroad in challenging environments. These individuals might find solidarity in the "rat person" identity as a way to cope with their circumstances, suggesting that the trend is appealing primarily to those feeling the weight of societal pressures.

Market Reactions

In terms of market impact, the trend could influence sectors that align with the values of relaxation and self-care. Companies in wellness, leisure, and entertainment may benefit from these shifting consumer attitudes. As the trend gains visibility, it might also draw attention from investors looking to capitalize on emerging lifestyle trends.

Overall, the article presents the "rat person" trend as a complex cultural phenomenon that intertwines rebellion against societal expectations with the realities of mental health and consumerism. The narrative engages with significant themes of disillusionment and the search for balance in a fast-paced world, ultimately reflecting broader societal changes.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/29/the-rat-person-trend-is-here-and-i-thoroughly-approve

Somewhere in Zhejiang province,China, a woman is living my dream. She gets up in the morning and then, almost immediately, goes back to bed. She lies prostrate all day long, scrolling, eating some food, opening some packages, showering at 2am, then snoozing again. As a longtime sleep enthusiast – and the mother of a child who thinks that 5am is a good time to start the day, all systems go – I think this sounds like bliss.

The woman in Zhejiang is known as @jiawensishi – and also “rat person”. I am not being rude; that’s what shecalls herself. There are lots of rat people out there: it’s a whole trend in China. You might have heard of the “lying flat” movement a few years ago, when young people lazed around displaying symptoms of mild depression, and some thinkers, including the novelist Liao Zenghu, theorised that it was a passive-aggressive resistance movement, rebelling against the demands of materialism and capitalism. Well, “rat people” are arodenty reboot.

You may be a rat person if you lack any desire to climb the career ladder as well as any desire to do, well, anything except for eating, sleeping and scrolling. Moving to the UK is, apparently, a risk factor for going full rodent. According to the South China Morning Post, “Chinese students studying abroad in the UK are among the most visible examples of rat people. Faced with grey, rainy skies and high living costs, many of them choose to stay indoors, avoiding social interaction to conserve their mental and physical energy.”

It is a principle of the 21st century that if somethingcanbe monetised, then itwillbe monetised. And despite the fact that rat people are supposed to be rebelling against the demands of hustle culture, a fair few seem to be leaning into it. A cartoon character called Big Rat, the unofficial mascot of the movement, has been slapped on merch andreportedly brought in over one million yuan(US$140,000) in sales. According toBloomberg, “One influencer named Wang Yutong has already started using the ‘rat person’ idea to promote a skincare product.”

The crypto kids are going to get in on this and we’re going to have a RatCoin soon, aren’t we? You can stay in bed all you like, but capitalism doesn’t sleep.

Arwa Mahdawi is a Guardian columnist

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Source: The Guardian