RT Sarah Wu (@sarah_wu_)From the outside, the picture of China can look gloomy: a slowing economy, high youth unemployment and intractable price wars. But instead of collapsing, the country is laughing. In @TheEconomist's 2026 guide, I look at what's ahead for the stand-up scene https://t.co/fozJyqcy0j ...

Humor and Personal Anecdotes - The speaker uses self-deprecating humor, portraying herself as the least qualified guest at TEDx [6] - The speaker shares personal struggles with timidity and social interaction [7][8] - The speaker humorously recounts her experience with depression and intrusive thoughts [17][21] Social Commentary and Gen Z Perspective - The speaker, born in 1999, reflects on the unsettling events that have occurred since then, including wars, political events, and global crises [10][11][12] - The speaker satirizes the future, imagining climate change, artificial intelligence taking jobs, and the aging population [12][13] - The speaker critiques the absurdity of modern life, contrasting everyday routines with global issues seen online [15] Mental Health and Scientific Progress - The speaker discusses her experience with depression and seeking psychiatric help [17][18] - The speaker explores the connection between gut health and mental health, referencing the scientific concept of the gut as the "second brain" and the potential for fecal transplants to treat depression [22] - The speaker humorously considers the challenges of naming a fecal transplant-based antidepressant [22] Existential Reflections and Finding Meaning - The speaker acknowledges the difficulty of finding joy in a world filled with suffering and loss [23] - The speaker reflects on the appeal of the apocalypse as a way to end personal and global problems [23] - The speaker concludes by expressing gratitude for her improved mental health while acknowledging the persistent voice of negativity [22]

Stand-up comedy in China is booming, particularly with women. But female comedians in the country sometimes face a sexist backlash for ribbing men https://t.co/AhlM7eAwaH ...