Floating duck syndrome in young people

Linh, 27 years old, in Hanoi always wants people to see her in a confident manner, without having to fast or exercise but still having a beautiful body and bright white skin.

Her personal page constantly shares photos of her traveling and dining in luxurious places. Each post attracts hundreds of likes and admiring comments.

But what Linh always kept hidden were the times she gagged after eating and drinking freely, and exercising "crazily" to have a balanced body. To have money to travel and cover living expenses, she also maintained 3-4 jobs at the same time, many days only sleeping 3-4 hours.

For Linh, when everyone is showing off their hustle to succeed, her own life with a leisurely, "luxurious" appearance is certainly admired. "I want to look like I can easily achieve what I want, while my friends struggle to achieve it," Linh said.

Since school, Phuong Vy in Hai Duong has always made her friends and everyone around her admire her because she always ranked top in every activity.

Contrary to the idea that achievements are due to luck or innate talent, only Vy knows how hard she has to work. To be able to be the top of her class for 12 years of study, to be admitted to a prestigious university in Hanoi and to work in a large corporation, she had to study all night. When she wanted to stay awake to work overtime, she would constantly wash her face with cold water, pulling her sideburns until they hurt. Vy was also willing to work extra on weekends, hoping to spend freely and have money to give to her parents.

Vy tries harder than many others but does not share her difficulties with anyone. The 26-year-old girl believes that creating a perfect appearance and success is more important than telling about her efforts.

My Linh and Phuong Vy are typical representatives of the psychological syndrome "Duck Syndrome" proposed by researchers at Stanford University (USA), originating from the way ducks swim.

Many people think that a duck glides effortlessly across the water, but in reality, its feet are kicking hard to keep from sinking. Similarly, some young people always put on a calm appearance, easily achieving success without trying.

Explaining the reason why some young people, especially Gen Z, suffer from "Floating Duck Syndrome", Dr. Hoang Trung Hoc, Head of the Department of Psychology, Academy of Educational Management (Hanoi) said that the need to prove oneself in an increasingly fast-paced life is the fundamental reason.

According to experts, the fast pace of life pushes Gen Z to quickly find success, affirm their class and recognition. Society 4.0 with its flat world also tends to emphasize external glamour with "virtual" values, seemingly forgetting intrinsic values. This has urged young people to seek the "perfect outfit" to receive praise.

The tendency to judge people by their appearance also makes willpower and effort to overcome difficulties seem to be undervalued in the process of finding success. This factor is also not highly valued by Gen Z when affirming their personality during the process of growing up.

"They become victims of the perfect, classy, ​​and luxurious shadow they create. Like the image of a 'floating duck', they appear calm on the outside but are torn inside," said Dr. Hoc.

A study in the journal Emotion found that people tend to hide signs of inner struggle. In an effort to maintain a sense of control, they inadvertently “internalize stress,” adding to their burdens and isolating themselves from potential sources of support.

This causes the rate of stress, anxiety disorders and depression in young people to increase.

According to the Ministry of Health's report in 2023, the rate of common mental disorders accounts for 14.9% of the population, equivalent to about 15 million people. Of which, the number of people with schizophrenia is 0.47% of the population; depression and anxiety account for a high rate, up to 5-6% of the population. In children alone, about three million need mental health care.

Dr. Tran Thi Hong Thu, Deputy Director and Head of the Clinical Department of Mai Huong Daytime Psychiatric Hospital (Hanoi), said that in recent years, the rate of people coming to see a doctor for psychological problems such as anxiety disorders and depression has increased by about 20%, and the age of patients coming to see a doctor tends to be younger.

Most cases often face pressure from studying, working, setting high life goals or being pressured to get married and start a family early but find it difficult to express. This condition, if not treated and intervened promptly, will affect physical and mental health in the long term.

In addition, Stanford University psychologists warn that "floating duck syndrome" can put pressure on those around you. Feelings of self-doubt and inferiority easily arise when people compare their efforts and failures with the "easy success" appearance of others.

Like My Linh, just one malicious comment that denies her achievements can make her collapse and doubt her abilities. Besides, always having to appear with a perfect image also makes her tired. Many times when her weight increased by a few grams, Linh immediately applied a strict diet even though she suffered from stomach pain and indigestion.

As for Phuong Vy, the pressure to maintain the image of a capable person makes her force herself to work at high intensity. The change in her biological rhythm causes the 26-year-old girl to suffer from anxiety disorder and prolonged insomnia. Although she is advised to go to bed early to ensure her health, she always feels guilty when her work is not finished.

Vy believes that this society assumes that successful people are not allowed to complain or suffer from mental illness. "If I want to have money and status that many people do not have, I have to keep trying," she said.

To avoid the negative side of the "floating duck syndrome", Dr. Hoang Trung Hoc advises young people to learn to live slowly, understand their true value instead of chasing after external glitz. Especially when facing difficulties and fatigue, ask the question "what is the thing you need most in this life" as a guide.

"Besides, know how to appreciate efforts, whether they are failures or successes, to live happily and be proud of yourself instead of living for others," Mr. Hoc said.