In a unique blend of virtual reality and financial pragmatism, China’s Generation Z, born between 1996 and 2010, is increasingly turning to ‘e-pregnancy’ games. These virtual simulations offer young adults a taste of the parenting experience without the physical and financial burdens of real-life childbirth. Players meticulously plan their ‘pregnancy’, budgeting for various simulated expenses, with the twist that the virtual money ‘spent’ gets saved in their real bank accounts.
This trend reflects the evolving relationship between China’s digital-savvy youth and the virtual world. Reminiscent of the earlier Tamagotchi craze, today’s young adults find resonance in these virtual games. But, unlike their predecessors, they are also seeking ways to mitigate the rising cost of living, and these games provide an innovative approach to saving money. From buying virtual pregnancy tests and prenatal supplements to budgeting for doctor’s appointments, every virtual expenditure translates into real savings.
One notable participant, Xiaoding, an unemployed young woman, joined the game in September, setting her virtual persona at three months pregnant with a baby named Tiki. Her posts and updates on her virtual pregnancy journey, including purchasing tests and supplements, have attracted thousands of followers. These followers actively participate, mirroring Xiaoding’s virtual expenses by saving the same amounts in their own accounts. Xiaoding’s narrative not only includes common pregnancy-related purchases but also allows for the creation of ‘premium parenting versions’, where players can save more by opting for expensive health supplements and private healthcare.
However, this virtual journey isn’t without its challenges. Some players find themselves limited by their real-life financial constraints, making it difficult to sustain the virtual scenario, sometimes leading to a virtual ‘termination’ of the pregnancy. For instance, Miaomiao, a 23-year-old graphic designer, contemplated ending her virtual pregnancy after four months, having saved 2,050 yuan (US$280).
Despite the game’s popularity, it hasn’t increased the desire for actual parenthood among these players. Many, like Xiaoding and Miaomiao, view the game purely as a savings mechanism, expressing continued apprehension towards real-life childbirth. This virtual experience also has sparked conversations among actual parents, who point out that real-life parenting involves complexities and expenses far beyond what is portrayed in the game. This sentiment is echoed by an online commentator who noted that those who have virtually experienced parenthood might become even less inclined to have children in reality.
‘Virtual pregnancy’ games in China are more than just a gaming trend; they’re a reflection of the generational attitudes towards financial responsibility, the challenges of parenting, and the creative use of technology by a generation defining its path in a rapidly changing world.
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