Why do young Chinese people seek "enhanced" oxygen ventilators?

According to the South China Morning Post , the trend began after a trending post on China’s social media platform Xiaohongshu. Titled “Oxygen is more useful than coffee,” the post has received more than 5.6 million views since it was posted on September 10.

Young Chinese people post pictures of themselves using oxygen generators instead of coffee to stay awake while working or studying. Photo: SCMP

One account, Zhimali, 26, posted a picture of herself using a portable ventilator in her office, writing that she brought it with her so she could compete with colleagues who worked until 11 p.m. every night.

The office worker in Hunan province said she uses a snorkel during lunchtime and sometimes while working to help her concentrate better and stay creative.

A 21-year-old college student who goes by the name Biqibaodiyizhangyumei said she uses the inhaler to clear her head whenever she feels sleepy while studying. She says it’s a great alternative to coffee, which makes her heart beat too fast.

Another positive side effect, according to Zhimali, is that her boss pressured her less after seeing her use the inhaler at the office. Photo: Tieu Hong Thu

According to shopping ads, pure oxygen is recommended for the elderly, pregnant women, and people who travel to high altitudes or are under stress. A 1-liter bottle of oxygen, which can be used for less than 10 minutes, costs about 10 yuan ($1.40) on the online shopping platform Taobao.

Of course, not everyone is on board with the trend. Some argue that using “booster” snorkels is useless, even counterproductive.

A response to the post by Biqibaodiyizhangyumei account read: "Even donkeys can relax when they are too tired from work, but now humans have to pay for the air we can breathe comfortably."

Another netizen also advised against using oxygen tanks because depending on it is not good for long-term health.

According to Mou Xiandong, a doctor at Beijing Tsinghua Changgeng Hospital, abusing oxygen cylinders can cause lung damage or oxygen poisoning in healthy people, leading to respiratory problems and even death.

A 1-liter oxygen tank, used for 10 minutes, sold on the e-commerce platform Taobao. Photo: Taobao

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/vi-sao-gioi-tre-trung-quoc-tim-den-may-tho-oxy-tang-cuong-20230917075025482.htm