Of all the modern Chinese internet buzzwords, “情感沙袋” (qínggǎn shādài), or “emotional punching bag,” offers a vivid and poignant glimpse into the social anxieties felt by young adults.

Literally translating to “emotional sandbag,” the term captures the dual pressures faced by some young people in their social circles.

The first blow comes from the constant exposure to friends “showing off” their intimate relationships. In an age of curated social media feeds and public displays of affection, singles or those in low-profile relationships are subjected to what is jokingly called a constant “blow” of envy and loneliness.

Just as they recover from this psychological impact, they often find themselves on the receiving end of their friends’ romantic troubles. When those same couples have conflicts, the “emotional punching bag” becomes a convenient and safe target for venting, forced to absorb complaints and emotional drama.

This clever metaphor reflects a growing awareness of the unique emotional burden shouldered by those who provide constant support, yet feel their own solitude or stability is overlooked in the process.