China launches campaign against pessimistic social media posts

China's internet regulator has started a two-month campaign to delete social media posts that express negative or pessimistic views. The campaign targets posts with messages like "studying is useless" or "hard work gets you nowhere." Authorities say they want to build a more civilised online space by removing content that promotes hopelessness.

The move goes further than typical political censorship. It now includes everyday expressions of frustration and despair. Online tutor Zhang Xuefeng had his accounts blocked from gaining new followers after the campaign began.

Many Chinese users have been sharing more critical content online because the economy has slowed, house prices have fallen, and jobs have become less secure. A video guide on surviving homelessness spread widely on Bilibili during this period.