While not a term rooted in ancient philosophy, 合集 holds significant cultural weight in modern, digital China. Its importance is tied to the era of information overload and content creation. In a world with endless streams of videos, articles, and music, the 合集 serves as a powerful tool for curation and consumption. For creators, making a 合集 (like a “2023 Yearly VLOG Compilation”) is a way to repackage content, attract new followers, and mark milestones. For consumers, a 合集 is a convenient way to binge-watch a topic of interest, catch up on a series, or discover the best works of an artist without having to search for each piece individually. Compared to the Western concept of an “anthology” or “compilation,” 合集 is often less formal and more digital-centric. While an “anthology” might bring to mind a scholarly collection of poetry, a 合集 is just as likely to refer to a 10-minute video of internet memes or a playlist of trending songs. It reflects the fast-paced, highly-curated nature of modern Chinese media consumption.
The term 合集 is ubiquitous in modern daily life, especially online. It's a neutral term, and its formality depends on the context.