An opinion piece reports increasing anxiety and a feeling of mental paralysis among Chinese youth. The author says fear of losing a job and intense social pressure are causing many young people to step back from everyday economic life. This withdrawal is described as a growing trend that affects a sizable portion of the younger generation. The commentary links the trend to a loss of confidence in a better future. It warns that such a loss of faith could undermine the Chinese government’s ambitious modernization plans. The piece suggests that the government’s plans may suffer if the younger population disengages from the economy.