Chinese Young Adults Turn to 'Raising Bricks' as Low-Cost, Zero-Energy Companionship Amid Economic Stress

Amid a stagnant job market and growing financial pressures, a growing number of Chinese young adults are embracing an unconventional hobby: raising bricks. Dubbed 'zero-energy companionship,' the trend involves treating ordinary bricks as pets or even children—naming them, decorating them, and sharing their 'growth' on social media. The phenomenon has gained traction on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Weibo, with users posting photos of their brick 'babies' in tiny outfits, beds, and even strollers. One participant wrote, 'No cats, no dating, I started raising a brick,' reflecting a broader shift away from traditional life milestones that many find financially or emotionally burdensome. Unlike pets or children, bricks require no food, medical care, or emotional labor, making them an appealing alternative for urban youth facing high living costs and intense work pressure. The trend also taps into a desire for companionship and stress relief without the long-term commitment. While some dismiss it as a joke, others see it as a quiet protest against unattainable societal expectations. As economic uncertainty continues, this quirky pastime may offer a glimpse into how China's younger generation is redefining fulfillment on their own terms.