Slacker generation’s social-media movement against ‘996’ work culture is a warning for Beijing

In response to China's notorious "996" work culture, characterized by grueling 9 am to 9 pm shifts six days a week, a new social media trend called "birding" has emerged. Young Chinese citizens are symbolically rejecting excessive work expectations by posting videos of themselves perched with hands tucked in oversized shirts, digitally placed on tree backgrounds. This protest underscores growing discontent with long hours and poor work-life balance, challenging traditional notions of productivity and national ethos.