How brutal is the U.S.“Kill Line”? A gaming term now describes American reality.

The phrase has gone viral, defining the middle-class breaking point. Even Kevin Spacey says he's drained his savings and faces homelessness.

The numbers are stark: 770,000 homeless in 2024, one in four living paycheck to paycheck, 37% unable to cover a $400 emergency.

This isn't bad luck—it's vanishing safety nets, soaring costs and runaway debt. When a“kill line”becomes a national statistic, who is safe? Tap to uncover the brutal truth. 

Source: Guangzhou Daily
Supervisor: Guangzhou Daily Global
Script: Wu Wenhui (Jinan University)
Video: Zhang Hui, Zeng Xiaoying (Jinan University)
Cover Design: Ying Jingwen, Xiang Pinrui (Jinan University)
Advisors: Ji Meiyun, Zhao Tianfang (Jinan University)
Video Coordination & Review : Dang Jianjun, Xue Yan, Lyu Yun, Wen Junhua