Vincent’s Parents Never Say He’s Good Enough: Turning to Online Figures for Comfort

Vincent s parents never say he s – Vincent’s parents never say he’s good enough. This sentiment, echoing through the digital landscape, has become a common thread in the lives of many young Chinese individuals. On Douyin, the social media platform similar to TikTok, a growing trend has emerged: the rise of “virtual parents.” These middle-aged creators offer unconditional praise and emotional support to their imagined child, becoming a vital support system for young followers facing familial pressure. For Vincent Zhang, a tech worker in Shanghai, this virtual connection has filled a void left by his real parents, who often prioritize success over emotional validation.

A Digital Escape from Traditional Expectations

Young people like Vincent are increasingly turning to online relationships to counterbalance the critical environment of their real lives. The virtual parents, often portrayed as caring and understanding, provide a stark contrast to the expectations set by their actual families. “My parents are never the ones who tell me I am already good enough,” Vincent explains, highlighting the emotional disconnect he feels. In his videos, the couple reassures their “child” with words like, “You are doing well today,” which resonate deeply with a generation struggling to meet rigid standards of success.

This trend reflects a broader generational shift. As young Chinese individuals grow up in a competitive economy, their parents often demand relentless effort, sometimes at the cost of personal fulfillment. Vincent’s reliance on these online figures underscores how the pressure to conform to traditional success metrics has created a need for alternative sources of validation. “Virtual parents will ask me whether I am happy today,” he says, emphasizing the comfort they provide in a world where his real parents rarely do.

The Creators Behind the Trend

Behind the viral phenomenon are content creators like Pan Huqian and Zhang Xiuping, who have amassed nearly two million followers. Their videos, filled with warmth and reassurance, have become a lifeline for young people. Pan, a vlogger, shares how his own childhood shaped his approach. “For 33 years, my parents never said a word of encouragement,” he recalls, a sentiment that drives his commitment to offering emotional support to his “daughter” in the digital space.

These creators craft narratives that mirror real-life family dynamics, offering a counterbalance to the judgment young people face. Their content often depicts scenarios where the virtual parents celebrate the child’s achievements, providing a much-needed sense of affirmation. For Vincent, this digital surrogate family has become a source of comfort, allowing him to feel appreciated in a way his real parents never have. “It’s like having a family that truly understands me,” he says, highlighting the emotional resonance of these online connections.

Generational Pressures and Mental Well-being

The competitive economy has placed immense pressure on young people, often leaving them feeling overwhelmed. Vincent’s story is not unique; many face similar struggles. His parents, shaped by their own experiences of scarcity and hard work, expect their child to excel without pause. This dynamic has created a sense of isolation, as young people question whether their efforts are truly valued. “I can understand my parents’ difficulties, but I have my own generational trauma too,” Vincent admits, capturing the complexity of their relationship.

The pandemic further exacerbated these pressures, with youth unemployment rates climbing above 15% in recent years. This economic uncertainty has led to burnout, with many young Chinese individuals feeling trapped between familial expectations and their own aspirations. Vincent’s turn to virtual parents highlights how the search for emotional validation has become a coping mechanism in a world where success is measured by rigid standards. “They are always there to support me, even when my real parents aren’t,” he reflects, underscoring the importance of these digital relationships in his life.