Vincent's parents 'never say he's good enough' - so he turned to a middle-aged couple online
Key takeaways
- In one of their most popular videos, the pair coos to the camera.
- With nearly two million followers on Douyin – China's version of TikTok - Pan Huqian and Zhang Xiuping are among a niche group of content creators called "virtual parents".
- They have exploded in popularity, drawing young Chinese followers who feel increasingly squeezed between the pressure of succeeding and the expectations of their families.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Eunice Yang Hong Kong BBC / Andro Saini On social media, many young Chinese leave comments to "virtual parents", sharing stories with them and asking for blessings During mealtimes, Vincent Zhang, a tech worker in Shanghai, has a habit of whipping out his phone to check on his "virtual parents": a middle-aged couple online, armed with an endless stream of warm words for their imaginary child.
In one of their most popular videos, the pair coos to the camera. "Are you tired from work and study lately? Don't push yourself too hard. Mum and Dad know that you have endured a lot."
In the comments, many call the couple mum and dad, telling them about their lives and asking for birthday blessings.