A growing number of young Chinese adults are turning to an unexpected form of companionship: 'raising' ordinary bricks. This peculiar trend reflects a pushback against traditional societal expectations amidst rising stress, job market anxieties, and an uncertain future in China.
The Rise of 'Brick Babies'
The practice involves acquiring a simple brick, misting it with water daily, and patiently waiting for moss spores to naturally colonize its surface. These 'brick babies' have become a viral sensation on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu (also known as Rednote), where users share progress photos under hashtags such as #healing and #stressrelief.
The appeal of brick raising is rooted in its simplicity and minimal demands. Unlike pets or children, bricks cost virtually nothing and require very little care. They are described as 'practically immortal'—if watering is forgotten, the moss simply goes dormant, only to revive when rehydrated. This low-commitment nature offers a stark contrast to the high-pressure environment many young Chinese face.
A Response to Modern Pressures in China
This unusual hobby aligns with the 'lying flat' (tang ping) movement, a philosophy embraced by some young people advocating for a low-effort, low-stress approach to life. Many are opting out of traditional milestones like dating, marriage, homeownership, and having children, citing overwhelming societal and economic pressures.
Official statistics show that nearly one in five Chinese individuals aged 16 to 24 (excluding students) are unemployed. Concurrently, China's birthrate has plummeted to a record low. In this climate, bricks offer a unique emotional outlet.
Psychologists have termed this phenomenon 'zero-energy emotional companionship,' where individuals fulfill their need for company without the demanding obligations often associated with human relationships or pet ownership. One participant noted, "A brick gives me a sense of certainty that feels way more grounded than a lot of relationships."
Health Considerations for Brick Parents
While offering solace, the trend is not without its caveats. Growing moss indoors can potentially lead to mold growth, with some 'brick parents' reporting symptoms like itchy eyes and runny noses. Xuedong Li, a retired moss professor from Beijing’s Capital Normal University, advises keeping bricks in enclosed environments and wearing disposable gloves and masks during handling to minimize spore inhalation and skin contact.
Despite these warnings, the 'brick raising' trend underscores a deeper societal shift, as young Chinese adults seek unconventional ways to cope with stress and find companionship in an increasingly demanding world.