Part 2/10:

The visible absence of men at dating events in China serves as a microcosm of a larger phenomenon. Many Chinese men are opting out of the traditional dating scene, preferring to engage in activities with friends, such as video gaming, rather than invest time in searching for a partner. This shift is indicative of broader trends among men globally: a growing reluctance to participate in systems they perceive as flawed or biased.

Men are expressing dissatisfaction with what they see as a marketplace skewed towards women’s unrealistic expectations, resulting in feelings of humiliation and inadequacy. The desire for companionship is still present, but many men no longer see value in the traditional dating framework, leading them to seek fulfillment in hobbies and friendships instead.