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].