<p>Currently, “lying flat” is prevalent on Chinese social media and in youth organizations, raising widespread concern. Based on the existing literature review and empirical data, we built linear regression models and structural equation models and discovered that some Chinese young college students engage in “lying flat” behaviors, which are characterized by low social needs, low marital needs, low self-transcendence, low goal commitment and high adherence. The mentality of “lying flat” among Chinese young college students is influenced not only by external factors such as family, school, and society but also by internal factors such as a sense of social responsibility, social adaptability, and self-identity. As a result, understanding the simultaneous action courses of internal and external elements is critical to establishing corrective measures for Chinese young college students’ “lying flat” behavior.</p>