Survey on Youth Psychological States and Cigarette Imagery

Hello! Thank you for participating in this academic survey on the psychological state of contemporary youth. This questionnaire aims to understand young people's real perceptions of the self, society, and meaning. The survey is completely anonymous, and all data will be used only for overall statistical analysis. Your honest answers are very important to this research. Please answer based on your real feelings over the past six months. Estimated time: about 5–8 minutes.

I confirm and guarantee that I am between 15 and 30 years old.

I feel that society requires me to prove myself through grades, salary, or titles. Although I do not truly agree with this standard, I cannot completely escape being measured by it.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

I am very clear about what I truly want, but I feel these real needs have almost no chance of being realized under social rules.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

When facing important long-term goals, I usually choose to maintain the status quo or step back when necessary, rather than push forward fully or compete with others.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

I feel that most public campaigns, news reports, or official statements often hide manipulation or private interests beneath the surface.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

I believe human society as a whole is moving toward greater civilization and progress.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

I believe that what I do every day, even if extremely small, can directly contribute to and support the idea that human society is moving toward greater progress.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

The way society evaluates people (money / status / visibility) is in serious conflict with the values I truly recognize (conscience / creativity / kindness), and I believe this gap cannot be bridged.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

I am afraid to fully invest my heart in something or someone, because I worry that I will eventually be let down or look foolish.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

10.

In daily expression, I use teasing, self-mockery, memes, or sarcastic remarks much more often than serious and direct statements.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

11.

I have clear critical views on many social issues, but I almost never turn these views into concrete and sustained action.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

12.

When my real actions seriously go against the values I firmly believe in, I feel ongoing anxiety and pain.

A. Strongly disagree

B. Somewhat disagree

C. Neutral

D. Somewhat agree

E. Strongly agree

13.

To ensure the validity of the questionnaire, please choose the option that matches the image:

A. These are two cats.

B. These are two rabbits.

C. This is one cat and one rabbit.

14.

What is your current status?

A. Student

B. Employed

C. Other (optional)

15.

How familiar are you with the concept of “contemporary cynicism”?

A. I am hearing about it for the first time.

B. I roughly know what it means, but the concept is still a little vague to me.

C. I have relevant knowledge and can accurately understand its meaning.

16.

In your view, is the term “contemporary cynicism” generally positive, negative, or neutral?

A. Positive

B. Negative

C. Neutral

17.

When the word “cynical” becomes associated with you—whether as self-mockery, self-identification, or an evaluation from others—which feeling is closest to your real reaction?

A. I feel uncomfortable; I do not actually want to be like this.

B. I do not really care; it is just a description.

C. It feels fairly accurate; it is part of who I am.

D. I fully accept it and feel at ease with it.

18.

What is your current smoking status?

A. I never smoke.

B. I only smoke occasionally in social settings.

C. I smoke regularly.

19.

Below is a nine-square matrix about the definition of “cigarette.” Please choose the one option that is closest to your own definition of the concept of “cigarette” (the diagram is for reference only):

① Regular cigarette (Lawful Good)

② Pocky (Lawful Neutral)

③ Chalk (Lawful Evil)

④ E-cigarette / pipe (Neutral Good)

⑤ Lollipop / straw (True Neutral)

⑥ Smoking air (Neutral Evil)

⑦ Hookah / chewing tobacco (Chaotic Good)

⑧ Drinking / eating (Chaotic Neutral)

⑨ Cat huffing (Chaotic Evil)

20.

When you think of “cigarettes,” what associations or images come to mind? Please describe them in a few words or one or two sentences.

21.

If you had to use one object to symbolize “contemporary cynicism,” how suitable do you think “cigarettes” would be?

A. Very unsuitable

E. Very suitable

22.

If there were a cigarette-shaped piece of jewelry themed around “cynicism” (such as a cigarette-shaped pendant or a cigarette-box-shaped brooch), what would your overall attitude be?

A. I like it and find it interesting.

B. I dislike it and would feel repelled by it.

C. I feel neutral / indifferent.

D. It depends on the specific design.

23.

In the later stage of this study, some answers may be used for short follow-up interviews or creative development (completely anonymous, based only on answer types, and without revealing individual responses). If you are willing to be contacted for a brief future interview (online / text-based), you may leave your contact information here (email / Instagram, optional):