Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a new literary genre in 2025, specifically the "rebirth in the apocalypse" theme popularized on platforms like Douyin, reflecting the anxieties and desires of contemporary society [5][6][31]. Group 1: Characteristics of the New Literary Genre - The "rebirth in the apocalypse" genre emphasizes survival over complexity, focusing on the simple notion of staying alive rather than exploring deep moral dilemmas [11][34]. - Unlike traditional Western apocalyptic narratives that highlight protagonists' combat skills, this genre features ordinary individuals who gain foresight about impending disasters, allowing them to prepare for survival [14][16]. - The narrative often includes elements of opportunism, such as exploiting financial systems before the apocalypse to gather resources, reflecting a practical survival mindset [16][20]. Group 2: Societal Reflections - The popularity of this genre is rooted in a broader cultural context where young people feel a sense of impending doom, with surveys indicating that 75% of respondents find the future frightening [36]. - The genre serves as a reflection of societal anxieties, with themes of revenge often tied to real-world issues like gender and social dynamics, resonating with the audience's frustrations [20][24]. - The shift in literary themes from "reversal" to "survival" indicates a change in societal aspirations, where the focus has moved from achieving greatness to simply enduring [31][34]. Group 3: Cultural Implications - The apocalyptic narrative in modern Chinese context is viewed not as a total destruction but as a potential for renewal, contrasting with Western linear endings [42]. - This genre's appeal lies in its ability to provide a simplified escape from the complexities of reality, reflecting a desire for a more straightforward existence amidst chaos [42][43]. - The article suggests that the current cultural phenomenon is a response to the overwhelming uncertainties of modern life, where individuals seek meaning in their experiences of survival [40][43].

Core Viewpoint - The rise of the "doomsday rebirth" genre on platforms like Douyin reflects contemporary societal anxieties and desires, serving as a form of escapism for individuals facing uncertainty in 2025 [1][3][20]. Group 1: Characteristics of the "Doomsday Rebirth" Genre - The genre emphasizes survival over complexity, focusing on the simple notion of "staying alive" rather than exploring moral dilemmas or human nature [5][22]. - Unlike traditional Western doomsday narratives that highlight protagonists' combat skills, the Douyin version prioritizes luck, intelligence, and supernatural abilities, featuring ordinary individuals who gain foresight about impending disasters [9][10]. - The narrative often includes practical survival strategies, such as exploiting financial systems to gather resources before the apocalypse [10][12]. Group 2: Psychological and Cultural Context - The popularity of this genre is rooted in a sense of "survival," where individuals find solace in the idea of enduring crises and uncertainties [20][22]. - A global survey indicated that 75% of respondents aged 16-25 find the future frightening, with 56% believing in an impending apocalypse, reflecting a widespread sense of doom among the youth [24][25]. - The modern interpretation of doomsday is less about religious connotations and more about a self-centered cultural phenomenon, where individuals perceive themselves as unique witnesses to historical crises [28][32]. Group 3: Evolution of Literary Themes - The shift in popular literature from themes of "reversal" to "relief" and now to "survival" illustrates changing societal ambitions and desires in response to economic and social conditions [17][20]. - The current doomsday narratives often lack the moral complexity of earlier works, instead presenting straightforward revenge plots that resonate with contemporary social issues, such as gender and relationship dynamics [15][22]. - The genre's appeal lies in its ability to provide a simplified narrative that contrasts with the complexities and anxieties of real life, reflecting a collective yearning for a more straightforward existence [32].