What is "考研之路" (kǎo yán zhī lù)
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"考研之路" (kǎo yán zhī lù) is a popular internet meme in mainland China that humorously depicts the experiences and emotional journey of students preparing for the postgraduate entrance examination. This meme typically uses self-deprecating humor to describe the hardships and pressures of studying for this important test.
Origin and Development
The rise of this meme is closely tied to the growth of higher education in China. As more university students choose to pursue postgraduate studies, the entrance exam has become a hot topic. Students began sharing their study experiences on social media platforms, creating various funny memes and jokes.
Main Themes
The "考研之路" meme usually covers several aspects:
- Study Pressure: Describing the daily grind of intensive studying, e.g., "Spending every day in the library from opening to closing time."
- Time Crunch: Emphasizing the lack of preparation time, e.g., "Only 100 days left until the exam, but I'm still scrolling through social media."
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Portraying the mood swings of exam candidates, e.g., "Today I studied efficiently, feeling like I could get into Tsinghua University" vs. "Today I couldn't solve a single problem, thinking about giving up."
- Lifestyle Changes: Depicting the unique lifestyle of exam candidates, e.g., "Having all three meals in the library."
- Comparison Mentality: Comparing oneself to high-achieving students, e.g., "The top student has already memorized the entire dictionary, while I'm still deciding whether to take the exam."
Social Impact
The "考研之路" meme is not just a form of entertainment; it reflects the psychological state and coping mechanisms of young people facing pressure. By creating and sharing these memes, students find a way to release stress and encourage each other.
At the same time, this meme has sparked discussions about higher education and employment pressure in society. Some educators and psychologists have started to pay attention to the mental health issues of exam candidates, calling for more social attention and support.
Spread of the Meme
The "考研之路" meme primarily spreads through:
- Social Media Platforms: Such as Weibo, Douyin (TikTok), and Bilibili, where students create short videos and meme images.
- Exam Preparation Chat Groups: Students share various exam-related jokes and meme images in these groups.
- Dedicated Meme Accounts: Some accounts specializing in creating and sharing exam-related memes are very popular on social platforms.
In essence, the "考研之路" meme reflects the bittersweet journey of contemporary Chinese youth pursuing higher education. It showcases their sense of humor and resilience in the face of pressure. This internet culture phenomenon not only provides emotional support for exam candidates but also offers a unique perspective on understanding the psychological state of today's young people in China.
To complement the "考研之路" meme in English-speaking countries, there are numerous exam-related memes that capture similar experiences and emotions of students preparing for important tests. Here are some popular exam meme themes in English:
Common Exam Meme Themes
- Procrastination: Memes about putting off studying until the last minute.
- Sleep Deprivation: Jokes about staying up all night to cram.
- Stress and Anxiety: Humorous depictions of exam-related stress.
- Brain Freeze: Memes about forgetting everything during the exam.
- Caffeine Addiction: References to excessive coffee consumption during exam periods[8].
- Post-Exam Relief: Celebrations after finishing exams.
Popular Exam Meme Formats
- Relatable Character Reactions: Using popular characters from TV shows or movies to express exam-related emotions[4].
- Expectation vs. Reality: Contrasting what students expect with what actually happens during exam.
- Exaggerated Scenarios: Humorous exaggerations of exam situations.
- Text-Based Jokes: Clever wordplay or puns related to exams and studying.
Examples of Exam Memes
- "80% of the final exam will be based on the one class you missed and the one book you didn't read.
- "The brain is the most outstanding organ. It works for 24 hours, 365 days, right from your birth, until you step in the exam hall.
- "STUDY (verb) – The act of texting, Facebooking, watching TV with an open textbook nearby."
- "Not sure if I can't study more because I'm confident... or I just don't care anymore"
These memes serve a similar purpose to the "考研之路" meme, providing comic relief and a sense of shared experience among students facing academic challenges. They help students cope with stress, bond over common struggles, and find humor in the intense process of exam preparation.