Cities can do more to assimilate newcomers

IN THE EYES OF MANY, the phenomenon of "leftover youngsters" is not new as generations of ambitious young adults from rural areas have chosen to explore the life-changing opportunities offered by cities, and, unavoidably, some struggle on their own before finally settling down. Beijing Youth Daily commented on Monday:

So is the social isolation of these so-called leftover youths overstated? Yes and no. These urban newcomers are being noticed more as a group because their ways of living are often coupled with isolation and financial hardships, according to a survey conducted by China Youth Daily.

Their reliance on social media and the soaring cost of living an urban life, particularly the rocketing property prices, may have contributed to their reluctance to interact with people in real life. On the other hand, most of these young adults aspire to work and settle in metropolises in the pursuit of a better life, despite the challenges.