“Lying flat” or “Goblin Mode” are the terms that have been trending among young people since 2021. According to a recent study by Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), this mindset has become a trend towards even younger generations. Over 25% of secondary school students in the survey admitted that after repeated efforts and failures in life, they realised the need to live beyond the mainstream value and deliberately adopted “Goblin Mode”; thus they can pursuit a simple, free and comfortable lifestyle.

The study was conducted from September to November 2024, with a total of 990 secondary school students from Form 1 to Form 6 being interviewed. When they were asked about the idea of “Goblin Mode”, 52.6% of the respondents thought that is neutral, 34.8% felt negative while 12.6% considered positive. Also, 48% of the respondents said they would support friends to adopt “Goblin Mode”, showing that the term is no longer seen as negative as before.

Furthermore, 27% (267) respondents revealed that they have already switched to “Goblin Mode”, while the majority (52.4%) of them are junior students. 41.2% (110) of respondents claimed to be on “Goblin Mode” for more than one year.

“Goblin Mode” had usually been classified as lifestyle of avoiding difficulties. However due to the change of the social environment and other reasons, instead of a lifestyle that react to life passively, majority of respondents regarded “Goblin Mode” as a deliberate choice after experiencing repeated failures and relentless pressure from school, family, and society.

The research further found that secondary school students have their own views on “Goblin Mode” in terms of academics, family, interpersonal relationships, economy, and society. After careful consideration, they decide to prioritize their own happiness.

Mr. Kwok Yee Chung, Ivan, Chief Officer (Youth and Community Service), explained that the survey result reflected “Goblin Mode” is trending among new joiners of the society and secondary students. Such lifestyle, with low desires, low achievements intention and valuing freedom, is a way for students to cope with stress and failure. In this way, they can reclaim a sense of satisfaction and recognition.

He also mentioned the majority of students see “Goblin Mode” as a temporary status rather than a permanent lifestyle; instead of passively feeling hopeless or incapable, they are actually willing to try when there is right opportunity. Ivan encouraged the students to keep developing their skills and exploring new horizons, and offers like internships, exchange programmes and volunteer works could help them to embrace a brighter future.

18-year-old Alex (a pseudonym) has been on “Goblin Mode” since high school after years of struggling to keep up with his studies. No matter how hard he had worked, his grades did not improve, and his efforts were unnoticed by parents and teachers. During the pandemic, online classes only made things worse as he was often accused of slacking off or gaming instead of studying.

Alex decided to stop “working hard” on academic results, and left all criticisms behind him after frequent frustration and exhaustion. He switched his attention to things that brought him joy, like video games and card games, where losing one does not mean losing all. He could always come back and try again.

Alex extended his “Goblin Mode” lifestyle after graduation. He did not commit to any long term plans, and joined YWCA’s Y Worker internship programme as just a way to earn money for his expenses. However, he realised gradual change in himself after broadening his social circle during the programme.

Alex mentioned that a stable job like security guard could fit him, so that he can continue the “Goblin Mode” with video games and card games, but not becoming a burden to his family. He would work hard again when he sees the right opportunities arise.