9/14/2026
I heard of this term on Chinese internet: “搭子” (dāzi) and, more specifically, “搭子社交”, “轻量化社交”, and “模块化社交.” Lightweight social activities.
What is “搭子”?
A 搭子 is essentially someone you do a particular activity with:
饭搭子 — someone to eat with
运动搭子 — exercise partner
骑行搭子 — cycling partner
旅游搭子 — travel companion
游戏搭子 — gaming partner
追剧搭子 — someone to watch shows with
学习搭子 — study partner
The key part is that you don't necessarily want this person to become a close friend. You just want to do certain activities with that person.
“搭子” is a relationship built around shared interests, while noting that young people are simultaneously trying to avoid the burdens and commitments associated with traditional social relationships.
Traditional friendship tends to be holistic.
A friend might know your family, your work, your problems, your childhood, your personality, and even your secrets.
But a “搭子” relationship can be functional:
I like cycling.
You like cycling.
We cycle together.
We don't necessarily need to know much about each other's lives.
One Chinese report gives an extreme example: some cycling partners have gone a whole year without even exchanging their real names.
And there is an even more extreme version: “zero-sugar socializing” —“降糖社交” (reducing the “sugar” in social relationships), also called “低糖社交” or “零糖社交.”
The “sugar” metaphor refers to the emotional sweetness—and burden—of close relationships.
The research actually suggests that young people still want deep relationships. The difference is that they don't necessarily expect one person to fulfill every social need.
The question is
Are young people redefining friendship—or are they trying to get the benefits of companionship without the responsibilities that traditionally came with friendship?
Interesting question! I will get back to this tomorrow.
