Move Over, Quad Riders: A New Subculture of "Ratmen" Is Gaining Popularity Around the World (2 photos + 1 video)

A new youth movement has emerged online, calling itself "rat people". They lead a low-energy lifestyle and have no ambitious plans for the future.





The term became popular after a viral video of a young woman describing her day filled with apathy and inactivity. She ate only when her parents woke her up and showered at 2 a.m. The woman compared her sluggish, hermit-like lifestyle to that of a rat living in a sewer, and it quickly went viral.

"Ratmen" reject the fast pace of life. They spend their days in bed, eat takeaway food, avoid socializing, and have no desire to advance in their careers. Representatives of this subculture want freedom and comfort, without the need to impress anyone.

Chinese students studying in the UK are among the most prominent examples of this movement. Faced with grey, rainy skies and the high cost of living in the country, many of them prefer to stay at home and avoid social interaction.



The movement has gained immense popularity on the Internet. Its unofficial symbol is the cartoon character Big Rat, with sales of merchandise featuring the character totaling more than 1 million yuan ($140,000) as of April.

But some experts fear the trend could exacerbate social isolation among young people.

"It's a passive coping mechanism. They reduce social contact and simplify their lives," said Zhang Yong, a social worker in Hubei Province.