China Recognizes "Involution" as Official Term for Burnout, Launches Task Force

The Chinese government has officially recognized the concept of "involution," a term used to describe feelings of burnout and futility, particularly among young people. According to a recent policy announcement, the government will establish a task force to address the issue of involution, which has become a ubiquitous slang term in Mandarin Chinese. The term "involution" has gained widespread popularity in China, particularly among students, parents, and workers who feel overwhelmed by the pressure of academic competition, social expectations, and long working hours. The Chinese government has acknowledged the issue, citing statistics that show a significant increase in mental health problems among young people. "We are concerned about the growing number of young people who are experiencing feelings of burnout and futility," said a government spokesperson. "We believe that addressing this issue is crucial to promoting the well-being and happiness of our citizens." The concept of involution was first introduced in English in a 1963 academic tract by economist Ame Burge, who used it to describe the futility of economic growth in certain regions. However, the term gained new meaning in China when it was adopted by the meme community and eventually became part of the government's policy agenda. The government's task force will focus on providing support and resources to individuals who are experiencing feelings of involution, including counseling services, mental health training, and policies to reduce working hours and promote work-life balance. Experts say that the government's recognition of involution is a significant step towards addressing the issue of mental health in China. "This is a major breakthrough in acknowledging the problem of involution and taking concrete steps to address it," said Dr. Li, a mental health expert at a leading university in China. The government's policy announcement has sparked a national conversation about the importance of mental health and the need to address the root causes of involution. As the task force begins its work, many are hoping that the government's efforts will lead to meaningful changes and a more supportive environment for young people. The Chinese government has not specified a timeline for the implementation of its policies, but officials say that they are committed to addressing the issue of involution and promoting the well-being of their citizens.