Recently an internet buzzword, "Backbone Youth", has emerged to describe Chinese adults born in the 1980s and 1990s who now have to handle increasing pressure from both life and work.

The "Backbone Youth" find themselves professionally sandwiched between experienced superiors and subordinate quick learners, which means they are constantly challenged for their jobs and to secure their employment, they compromise or struggle for promotions, according to a report recently released by a number of Alibaba Group's subsidiaries including UC Browser, acquired by Alibaba in 2014; Taobao, a Chinese online shopping website; Xianyu, the second-hand online transaction platform; and Eleme, the popular online food delivery service.

Entitled "An Analysis on the Online Habits of 'Backbone Youth'," the report reflects the unconventional and multi-dimensional lives led by this particular group of people.

Meanwhile, the report found that the peak time for food delivery orders from office buildings usually lasts until around 11:00 pm each day, and this serves as substantive proof that they often work overtime.

Their favorite snacks include hamburgers, chips, milk teas, juices and spicy delicacies, the report revealed.

However, despite their stressful full-time jobs, many find the time to earn extra money as stall vendors, designated drivers and errand runners among other part-time jobs.

In addition to their tight work schedules, the "Backbone Youth" are also essential to their families and often need to nurse both their children and aging parents.

Their online shopping, especially among women, usually focuses on home necessities, such as toilet roll, cleaning supplies and children's items.

They favor second-hand online transactions as well. According to the report based on the data collected from Xianyu, the used products posted by them include over 80 million items, such as, 80,000 kindles, 3 million smart phones, 260,000 books and 8.29 million pieces of recycled clothing.

While commuting between their work and home often on overcrowded public transport during rush hour, listening to music is their favorite way to relax.

The report also demonstrated that many "Backbone Youth" spend their spare time watching online shows, opting for productions about people living metropolitan lives that resonate with their own experiences. They also spend a lot of time exercising and reading books concerning finance, science and history.

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