Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the trend in the service industry where standing while working is increasingly seen as a symbol of dedication and professionalism, contrasting with the growing number of job advertisements in manufacturing and other sectors that promote the ability to sit while working [1][2]. Group 1: Labor Dynamics - The value of labor in the service industry is shifting from completing tasks to maintaining a performance-oriented posture, where actions like standing, smiling, and speaking are evaluated as part of performance metrics [2][5]. - Employees in service roles often face physical ailments due to prolonged standing and lack of breaks, with common issues including varicose veins and chronic back pain [3][35]. - The expectation to remain standing and perform tasks without rest is not necessarily linked to efficiency but is instead a demonstration of commitment to the job [4][35]. Group 2: Performance and Monitoring - Service workers are required to engage in various performative actions, such as sweeping even when the floor is clean and running to serve customers, which do not necessarily enhance customer experience but create an appearance of busyness [5][27]. - Monitoring systems, including cameras and performance reviews, enforce compliance with these performative standards, leading to penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines and physical punishments [18][23]. - The management practices in these environments often prioritize superficial performance over genuine customer interaction, resulting in a disconnect between employees and their authentic emotions [27][30]. Group 3: Emotional and Physical Costs - The physical toll on employees manifests in various health issues, while the emotional strain leads to a phenomenon known as "emotional alienation," where workers become detached from their true feelings [35][37]. - The article highlights the broader implications of this performative labor culture, suggesting that it erodes the quality of human connection in service roles, ultimately affecting customer satisfaction [36][40]. - The cycle of monitoring and penalization creates a workforce that is more focused on appearance than on providing meaningful service, leading to a decline in overall service quality [26][30].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how WeChat communication reflects power dynamics and social ethics in modern relationships, highlighting the negative psychological impacts of dismissive communication styles [1][2][3]. Group 1: Communication Dynamics - WeChat has become a crucial medium for interpersonal relationships, with users checking it over 30 times a day on average in China [1]. - Certain reply patterns, such as minimal responses or delayed replies, create an imbalance in conversational power, leading to feelings of self-doubt in the recipient [1][2]. - The phenomenon of "intentional neglect" in replies can be seen as a form of social violence, affecting the mental well-being of individuals who experience it [1]. Group 2: Emotional Alienation - The article connects the arrogant attitudes in WeChat communication to a broader trend of emotional alienation in society, where individuals struggle to empathize with others behind screens [2]. - The concept of "objectification" in digital communication is discussed, where individuals are treated as mere symbols rather than emotional beings [2]. Group 3: Reconstructing Communication Norms - The need to rebuild rational communication in the digital age is emphasized, advocating for basic etiquette such as timely responses and maintaining conversational integrity [2]. - The article references Habermas's theory of communicative action, suggesting that genuine communication should be based on mutual recognition [2]. Group 4: Value of Genuine Interaction - WeChat interactions serve as a reflection of societal values, where dismissive behavior indicates a lack of respect for the other person's time and attention [3]. - The article encourages individuals to recognize the importance of sincere communication as a form of resistance against emotional alienation in the digital world [3].