nián qīng rén年轻人liú xíng流行huā qián花钱zhǎo找dā zi搭子
Recently in China, a social trend called “paid companions” has become popular among young people.
In the past, many people liked to find companions online to eat together, visit exhibitions, or exercise.
But now, more and more people are willing to pay by the hour to have someone join them in these activities.
Why are young people willing to pay for companionship?
Some people want to practice badminton or swimming. By paying for an experienced person, they can have someone to exercise with and also receive guidance.
Others enjoy going out to take photos, but their friends are usually busy. It is more convenient to pay someone to go shopping with them and help take pictures.
Many young people feel that asking acquaintances requires coordinating each other’s schedules and can make them feel indebted.
When paying for a companion, the time and fee are agreed on in advance. After the activity ends, each person leaves, so there is less psychological pressure.
However, this new approach also brings some risks.
Because these services are mostly part-time work done by individuals, both sides are strangers and usually do not sign formal contracts.
If an accident happens, someone is deceived, or personal privacy is leaked, it is often difficult to protect one’s rights and interests.
Experts believe that paid companions meet young people’s need for easy, low-pressure social interaction.
However, online platforms should properly verify identities and provide safety reminders.
How to meet people’s need for companionship while also ensuring their safety is a question this new model will need to face in the future.