25-2-2024 (BEIJING) In the bustling city of Beijing, a 27-year-old blogger named Yang ventures into an IKEA store, not for shopping but to meet her first client. This client, a young man, is willing to pay 125 yuan ($17) per hour for Yang’s time and company, reflecting a growing trend in China where young people are renting out their spare time to combat stress and loneliness.
China’s economic recovery struggles, coupled with record-high youth unemployment and layoffs, have created a surplus of individuals with free time seeking opportunities to earn extra income. Simultaneously, the youth population faces significant workplace and societal pressures, leading them to explore unconventional avenues for relaxation and decompression.
Social media platforms such as Douyin and Xiaohongshu have become popular hubs for these services, where netizens post advertisements offering their time as paid companions. This trend reflects the changing dynamics of interpersonal relationships, with some individuals preferring to pay for companionship rather than relying on traditional friendships or family connections.
Yang, working as an influencer on Douyin during her regular hours, sees her paid companionship side hustle as a supplementary income stream. She emphasizes the safety measures she takes, meeting clients only in public spaces to avoid physical contact.
Another individual, Alaia Zhang, operates as a paid companion on Xiaohongshu, catering exclusively to female clients for safety reasons. Zhang notes that many clients seek someone to talk to, addressing their anxieties and providing a non-judgmental listening ear. She believes that young people today are hesitant to invest time in forming deep relationships due to the fear of emotional vulnerability.
Paid companionship services are gaining popularity not only among the youth in China but also among Chinese youth abroad. Cindy Lu, a freelance photographer in Toronto, has been accepting female customers since last August, primarily catering to Chinese international students facing stress and isolation.
A subset of this growing market focuses on paid hospital companions, particularly those accompanying individuals on doctor visits. These companions play a crucial role in navigating the complex healthcare system for clients, making doctor appointments, and providing emotional support.
Despite the rapid expansion of this industry, there is a lack of standardized legislation to govern and certify paid companionship services. The market, however, continues to grow as individuals seek alternatives for mental health support, bridging the gap between professional therapy and the challenges of seeking help.
As China’s population ages and healthcare complexities increase, the demand for paid companionship, especially in hospital settings, is expected to rise. The industry, sometimes referred to as the “silver hair economy,” highlights the evolving nature of support services in response to societal changes.
