For Chinese millennials and Gen Z, the joy of traveling home during the Spring Festival is often mixed with hidden anxieties. Every year, in the lead-up to the annual big family gathering, many young Chinese have to mentally prepare themselves for the most dreaded social interaction of the year. "How's your job?" "How much do you make?" "When are you getting married?"

This year saw artificial intelligence (AI) come to the rescue. An AI-powered game has recently exploded in popularity

on Chinese social media. Developed in just 24 hours by a group of university students, the game allows users to have conversations with virtual relatives on a variety of topics known to often pop up during family reunions.

Though many have downloaded the app as an innovative means to poke fun at their relatives' nosiness, people later realized that the app can help them practice how to better communicate with their extended families.

At the end of the day, young people should have a bit more patience and understanding toward their families' awkward yet well-intentioned inquiries. Older generations should also try to express their love in a less blunt and overbearing manner.

(Beijing Daily, February 7)