They believe the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced Chinese cities to endure some of the longest and toughest lockdowns anywhere in the world, could be one reason. The after-effects are not well understood yet, but could include feelings of anger and resentment, and involve a loss of jobs, investments and relationships.
Other possible factors that are cited are the high stress and high expectations put on young men in Chinese society. These are exacerbated by high levels of youth unemployment and a widening rich-poor divide. One expert told the BBC a strong sense of "social deprivation" can lead some to use violence to vent their frustration against society.
Alright, this COULD explain why they go on a stabbing spree. But why children? Why the kindergardens? Because they can't defend themselves or is there more to it?
There’s a reason you don’t hear much about suicides on the news, there’s an effect called suicide contagion. My personal belief is mass attacks are essentially suicides with a bonus role for ignominy. Seriously, think of the Egyptians killing a bunch of servants to have them serve the pharaohs in the afterlife, and this isn’t wildly different. Throw in the social disconnection that many felt before Covid, then add all the problems from the virus; is the surprise that somebody went truly crazy, or that the rest of us arguably haven’t? The surface of the planet is literally heating up measurably and without end because of humanity, is inhuman behavior really so unexpected?
If it's despair because of the state the society is in, I could see someone targeting children to 'spare' them from what awaits them.
It's the same reason some parents kill themselves and their children when commiting suicide.
It's fucked up.