How ‘pets’ like rocks, mango pits bring comfort to the lonely in China | CNA Correspondent Podcast

Key Concepts:

• Emotional support pets (unconventional pets like mango seeds, toothpaste residue, pet rocks, sourdough yeast)
• Gen Z stress and coping mechanisms in China
• Financial and social pressures on young Chinese adults
• Declining birth rates and rising pet ownership in China
• Emotional and psychological benefits of raising unconventional pets

1. Introduction: The Rise of Unconventional Pets

• The podcast introduces the trend of young people in China raising unconventional "emotional support pets" like mango seeds ("mango dogs"), toothpaste residue, and pet rocks.
• This trend is presented as a modern-day equivalent to the Tamagotchi, but with a focus on low-commitment, low-cost companionship.

2. Origins and Discovery of the Trend

• Melody Chan, CNA's China correspondent, initially dismissed the trend as "troll posts" on Chinese social media.
• The trend gained traction with examples like raising mango seeds and even rocks.
• The turning point was the discovery of people "raising" toothpaste residue, which prompted deeper investigation.
• The trend is particularly prevalent among Gen Z in China.

3. Examples of Unconventional Pets and How They Are "Raised"

• Mango Seeds ("Mango Dogs"):
  • The Mandarin word for mango sounds similar to "dog," hence the nickname.
  • People groom, comb, and "pet" the mango seeds.
• Toothpaste Residue:
  • People share photos of toothpaste residue in sinks and create narratives around them (e.g., "surfing" when water runs over it).
• Pet Rocks:
  • Can be found or purchased online (e.g., TaoBao).
  • Often come with accessories like googly eyes and strollers.
  • One shop sold over a thousand pet rocks.
• Sourdough Yeast (Levain):
  • A mix of flour and water fermented with wild yeast and bacteria.
  • Popular among bakers.
  • Provides a sense of quiet joy from watching something grow due to one's care.
  • Requires regular feeding to keep it active.

4. Motivations and Emotional Value

• A 23-year-old woman from Jiangsu accidentally left toothpaste in her sink, found it cute, and posted a photo on Xiaohongshu (a popular social media platform).
• Her post, which included a storyline about the toothpaste "surfing," went viral, inspiring others.
• Peach, a home baker, finds therapeutic value in caring for her sourdough starter, describing it as an emotional outlet that requires just the right amount of responsibility.
• The trend taps into deeper issues faced by Gen Z in China, including career, housing, social expectations, and family responsibilities.
• A viral quote illustrates the pressure: "I'm 30 years old, I don't have a house, I don't have a car, I don't have a partner. My parents are counting on me to retire, and I'll probably need a loan just to raise a kid."
• Raising these pets is a manageable way to express care and creativity without the emotional or financial burden of real pets or children.

5. Psychological Perspectives

• Professor Changing, a psychology professor from Peking University, suggests that expressing emotions takes energy, but these pets have no emotional cost.
• Dr. Titing from Hunan Second People's Hospital describes it as an "emotional safety net," providing routine and comfort in a fast-moving, isolating environment.
• It's a way to reclaim softness in a tough world.
• Chinese actress Chirui raises a mango pit to relax and unwind after work stress.

6. Societal Implications and Demographic Concerns

• China's population dropped for the third year in a row in 2024, with a low birth rate of 6.77 births per 1,000 people.
• Pet ownership is booming; by 2030, there could be nearly twice as many pets as children under four.
• This shift indicates young people are rethinking family and caregiving.
• A Shanghai white-collar worker spends 30% of her income on her cat to manage anxiety.
• In 2023, the average starting salary for graduates from top universities in first-tier cities was around 12,000-13,000 yuan (approximately $2,500 SGD) per month.
• A 2024 report from YuWa Population Research found that raising a child from birth to age 17 in Shanghai costs over 1 million yuan (approximately 5,000 yuan per month).
• Job insecurity and social pressure contribute to young people stepping back from traditional life paths.
• The government is aware of these shifts and has introduced policies around housing, education, and subsidies for parents, but changing mindsets is difficult.

7. Personal Experience and Conclusion

• Melody Chan tried raising a mango seed, following an online tutorial that involved washing, softening with hair conditioner, and drying the seed.
• The experience made her appreciate the charm of the trend, highlighting the healing aspect of being silly and not taking life too seriously.
• The trend reflects a need for emotional release and manageable responsibility in a fast-paced society.

8. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The trend of raising unconventional pets in China reflects deeper societal issues, including the intense pressures faced by Gen Z, financial burdens, and changing attitudes towards family and caregiving. While seemingly quirky, these pets provide emotional support and a sense of control in a rapidly changing and often stressful environment. The trend also highlights the demographic challenges facing China, with declining birth rates and a growing preference for pet ownership over traditional family structures.