In China, there’s a staggering 35 million single men—a number greater than the combined populations of Australia and Singapore. This phenomenon stems from the one-child policy and a societal preference for sons. Now, these men find themselves largely ignored, feeling undesirable and isolated.
So, what’s the government’s response? They’ve introduced a so-called “Date Camp,” which is essentially a week-long program aimed at helping men improve their dating skills, from hygiene to how to engage women in conversation.
This isn’t a joke; it’s a serious state initiative. And, to be honest, it reflects a sense of desperation.
China’s situation is pretty alarming, but it seems the West is heading down the same path.
In some regions, local authorities are even funding workshops on infidelity. These camps teach mainly rural men—often from low-income backgrounds—how to establish eye contact, communicate without fear, and understand what women want. Participants are coached on smiling and are advised against discussing unappealing topics like farming or deceased relatives on their first dates.
Concerns about Incel
Local governments frame this as a measure for social stability. A surge in single men is often linked to rising anxiety, crime, and, potentially, upheaval. The Communist Party might not subscribe to religious beliefs, but they certainly feel threatened by the idea of incels.
Before we dive deeper, let’s define “incel.” It stands for “involuntarily celibate,” referring to men who want relationships but struggle to make them happen.
This isn’t by choice—often, it’s due to personal circumstances like genetics, finances, or societal factors. With millions of men in China affected, it shows the stark reality of a society where love has become transactional; only the most appealing prospects seem to succeed.
The Feminist Impact
The need for a dating camp arises from a straightforward truth: nothing else has worked. Urban Chinese women, in particular, simply aren’t interested. Over the decades, they’ve invested in education and career advancement. With influences from K-dramas, Western rom-coms, and social media, marriage has now become less of a priority—almost a setback.
If a man shows up in worn sneakers, quoting political leaders while living with his mother, it doesn’t paint him as a charming partner. Instead, he epitomizes what not to pursue. And while China may appear distinct from the West, the influence of modern feminism—a concept that seems to have spread rapidly—has certainly made its mark.
It has propagated ideas that women deserve the best, owe nothing to society, and that motherhood is a burden. As a result, women in cities like Beijing are developing aversions to traditional expectations around relationships and family.
Unreachable Standards
To be considered viable marriage material in China today, men should not only own property in one of the world’s most inflated real estate markets but also have stable incomes. Physical attributes like height and good looks, emotional intelligence, and domestic skills are also part of an extensive checklist. This list feels more like a fantasy than reality for many.
For a vast number of men, the message comes through loud and clear: they just don’t measure up. It leads many to retreat—not into social circles, but into the online realm.
Increasingly, people are turning to AI companions for emotional support. Isn’t that striking? These chatbots may lack genuine affection, but they offer a semblance of companionship without the complex realities of dating.
Sound familiar to any American readers?
Don’t Dismiss It
While China’s case is extreme, the West isn’t far behind, and our public relations efforts are clearly lacking. Birth rates are plummeting, and marriage is on the decline as well. Many young men across the U.S., UK, and Australia have increasingly retreated into their digital lives.
We might laugh at the notion of Chinese tech replicating romance, but similar apps are thriving in the West too. The landscape is a testing ground for an impending crisis. In both contexts, the underlying issue transcends just dating; it touches upon deep-seated issues of worth and existence.
Men in today’s society—particularly those without higher education, steady jobs, or impressive incomes—are viewed as surplus. They’re not seen as desirable partners or effective parents anymore. In China, this reflects a demographic crisis, while in America, it becomes more of a cultural debate masquerading as advancement.
Mutual Needs Diminished
While there are quirky solutions—like the AI waifus in China or emotional wellness tutorials in the U.S.—none genuinely address the fundamental issues at play. The crux of the dilemma is that men and women still fundamentally need each other. Those essential connections have been eroded, replaced by individualism and the constant barrage of digital interactions.
We create a narrative where women should be entirely self-sufficient, while telling men they shouldn’t expect reliance from anyone. Both end up looking towards the future, questioning why family formation feels so daunting.
Lamenting Lack of Solutions
If these CCP dating camps seem bleak, consider the possibility of government-sponsored speed dating initiatives popping up in places like Youngstown, Ohio. The issue is pervasive. Fertility rates in the West are collapsing, much like in China, and our youth seem indifferent. They show little interest in relationships or their personal futures.
What we’re witnessing is a gradual unraveling of civilizational continuity.
China’s 35 million overlooked men aren’t just a local concern; they reflect a broader trend—a sign of impending collapse. As industrial and post-industrial values shift, we risk losing traditional understandings of masculinity and intimacy, outsourcing our emotional needs to technology.
The end game? A landscape where men feel obsolete and women remain unimpressed. Unfortunately, there’s no app to remedy this situation, no seminars that offer solutions—just a stark reality to confront.
