Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "involution" is spreading in the financial sector, leading to excessive competition among banks, which has prompted regulatory actions to restore a healthy market order [3][10]. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Involution - Involution refers to a situation where individual entities continuously invest resources without achieving systemic efficiency improvements, resulting in diminishing returns and overall inefficiency [5]. - In the banking sector, involution manifests as irrational market behaviors, including price wars, homogenized business models, and ineffective assessment systems [7]. Group 2: Causes of Banking Involution - The mismatch between supply and demand, along with the deepening of interest rate marketization, contributes to banking involution. There is a structural contrast between accumulating deposits and shrinking credit demand [8]. - The Loan Market Quotation Rate (LPR) mechanism has led to a market-driven pricing system, but the simultaneous decline in credit demand and LPR has pressured banks' net interest margins, pushing them into irrational price competition [8]. Group 3: Consequences of Involution - Involution is eroding the operational safety margins of banks, compressing interest margin revenues, and potentially weakening the ability to accumulate capital internally. The average net interest margin of commercial banks fell to 1.43% in Q1 2025, down 75 basis points from historical highs [9]. - The intensification of scale-driven competition has led to a relaxation of risk management standards, increasing the likelihood of asset quality deterioration and higher non-performing loan rates [9]. Group 4: Responses to Involution - Following the central government's call to regulate irrational price competition, various banking associations have implemented measures to curb involution, such as establishing governance frameworks and self-regulatory agreements [11]. - Banks are encouraged to adopt differentiated operational strategies and enhance service value to regain competitive advantages, focusing on product innovation and customized solutions [13]. Group 5: Future Directions - Strengthening the legal and regulatory framework is essential to address irrational competition, with a focus on enhancing enforcement and establishing rapid response mechanisms for competitive misconduct [13]. - Optimizing internal assessment mechanisms and fostering innovation talent are crucial for banks to transition from scale-based evaluations to multidimensional performance metrics, thereby enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the anxiety faced by parents regarding their children's education and the pressure to succeed in a competitive academic environment, highlighting the emotional struggles and societal influences that contribute to this anxiety [3][4]. Group 1: Parental Anxiety - A mother expresses her overwhelming anxiety about her child's academic performance and future opportunities, feeling the need to constantly push for better results [1][2]. - The mother feels conflicted between wanting her child to excel academically and recognizing the importance of a well-rounded upbringing, leading to confusion about the right approach to education [2][3]. Group 2: Societal Pressure - The phenomenon of "theater effect" is described, where parents feel compelled to follow the crowd in educational choices, fearing that not participating will result in their child falling behind [4]. - The competitive environment is likened to a collective hysteria, where the actions of others influence individual decisions, creating a cycle of anxiety and pressure [4]. Group 3: Solutions and Strategies - The article suggests that parents should reflect on their anxieties and differentiate between their child's actual needs and external pressures [4][5]. - It encourages parents to "loosen the reins" on educational goals, allowing children to explore their interests beyond academics, which can foster a more balanced development [5]. - Engaging in open dialogues with children about their feelings and aspirations is recommended, along with involving partners in parenting discussions to create a supportive environment [5].