Social media digest

Keep calm and capybara

In a world where chaos and stress seem to be the norm, there exists a remarkable creature, the capybara, which has captured the hearts and minds of many young people worldwide, not because they are the largest rodent, but because they seem to be the "chillest" animal on Earth.

Watching videos of capybaras, native to South America, they always seem to be in perfect company. Whether they are being pecked by pelicans, touched by humans, or even accompanied by crocodiles, they are always able to keep their cool, a quality that a lot of youngsters who are constantly on the brink of breakdown under the pressure of study, work or relationships are so desperate to acquire.

In fact, capybaras' carefree demeanor has become a symbol of inspiration — even a belief — for many young people seeking peace of mind in this frantic world. US blogger James Stuber once published an article online titled Why I Love Capybaras.

"A capybara's favorite activity is to relax in a hot spring, never in a rush to get clean and get on with their day," he wrote. "When you take time to savor the little things, you can't help but become chill yourself."

More is less, more or less

We used to nag our moms about their habit of hoarding plastic bags and glass jars, and we've tried introducing the concept of "minimalism "to them, but it seems a waste of time.

But lately, an opposite trend called "anti-minimalism", or "reversed minimalism", is sweeping across social media platforms in China. Many young people are proudly showcasing their transformations of "waste" into functional items: turning plastic lids of wet wipes into jewelry organizers, making heat-resistant coasters from milk tea cup holders, and more.

They say it's not hoarding but rather repurposing of waste items. So instead of "reversed" minimalism, this trend should probably be seen as an advanced interpretation of minimalism: It reduces unnecessary consumption, saves money and helps minimize waste.

According to Veronica Hanson, a minimalist living in the US, we shouldn't go overboard with either trend. "Becoming a minimalist doesn't mean getting rid of everything you own. It's about being intentional with what you choose to keep and making sure it adds value to your life," she wrote in her blog. "You can still have things that you love and enjoy, but it's about finding the balance."