Art Therapy in Slow Variety Shows: A Study on Generation Z Youth
Abstract
Due to high competition and involution, Generation Z youth (digital natives born between 1997 and 2012) are experiencing psychological burnout in the current social environment. The distress cannot be simply regarded as a personal mood fluctuation. This generation is facing a distinct set of stressors, including an efficiency metrics driven evaluation system, instrumental rationality fostered interpersonal alienation, and a shortage of emotional outlets. In this context, slow variety shows such as Hello Life and Hahaha have become popular among young Chinese audience, who seek emotional comfort from these emerging slow variety shows. From the perspective of social alienation, this study investigates the root causes of this psychological burnout. Three features are identified to distinguish slow variety shows from conventional TV programs. The effect of each feature on therapeutic functions in distinct dimensions is explored as well. The findings show that slowdown rhythms help alleviate individuals’ physical and mental depletion by creating a low-load audiovisual experience. Moreover, an anti-involution discourse system is established to relieve achievement anxiety along with fierce competition. In addition, the de-dramatized narrative is close to daily life, which can provide emotional companionship for the audience. Overall, this study elaborates on the therapeutic logic of slow variety shows in alleviating psychological burnout among Generation Z. It also offers implications for subsequent quantitative investigations and comparative analyses in relevant research.
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