Virtual Parents: Young Chinese Seek Comfort Online
Tuesday, 2026/06/16119 words2 minutes1176 reads
Vincent Zhang is a young man who works in Shanghai. He watches videos of a special couple online. They are called "virtual parents." The couple talks to the camera like they are talking to their child.
The couple says kind words. They say things like "Don't work too hard" and "We know you try your best." Many young people watch these videos. They call the couple "mum and dad" in the comments.
Vincent's real parents are different. They never say he is good enough. They want him to have a different job. When Vincent talks to his virtual parents online, he feels better. He says, "They ask me if I am happy today." This makes him feel warm inside.
