Xing yuan nao (brain sex)

The initial complaint stemmed from the observation of some modern dramas that seemed to be stuck in outdated values despite their contemporary settings and fashionable clothing choices. Netizens expressed confusion as to why these shows cannot incorporate more emotional depth, asking whether lead characters must always act stiffly throughout a series. The argument was made that dramas should encourage sweet romance instead of merely promoting marriage and childbirth, suggesting that the latter is more deserving of promotion.

The CCTV website's term for these types of dramas translates to "brainless love dramas," implying that they rely solely on emotional lines to drive the plot without considering logical progression or critical thinking. The term can also be interpreted as suggesting these dramas are unintelligent and focus solely on romantic love, ignoring other important aspects of life.

The debate sparked a range of reactions from netizens, with some agreeing that there is too much emphasis on romance in contemporary dramas, while others feel that the criticism unfairly targets certain genres. Some users pointed out that the term "brainless love drama" could be seen as criticizing the entire industry for its focus on romantic narratives. They argue that this criticism is unfair and dismissive of the diversity in Chinese television dramas, which include a wide range of genres and themes.

However, many Weibo users expressed frustration with what they perceive as the lack of intellectual depth in state-run media content. These netizens criticized the emphasis on love stories over other important issues and praised independent media outlets for their willingness to tackle a wider range of topics. Some users even suggested that state-run media, in its attempt to cater to audiences' preferences, has become untrustworthy and prone to publishing sensationalist or low-quality content in exchange for ratings and viewership.

One netizen humorously commented on the prevalence of love themes in dramas, suggesting that people are drawn to these stories because they involve little risk compared to other genres like detective series or action movies. Another user expressed frustration at what they perceive as shallow character development and simplistic plotlines in Chinese dramas.

The discussion highlights a growing dissatisfaction among viewers who feel that state-run media content is not engaging enough intellectually and prioritizes romantic narratives over other important themes. It also underscores the need for more diverse and challenging topics to be explored in Chinese dramas, something that independent media outlets have been doing successfully in recent years. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether state-run media will take these criticisms into account and adjust their content strategies accordingly.