‘网奴’ (wǎng nú) is a colloquial, slightly humorous or self-deprecating Chinese compound noun meaning 'internet slave' — someone excessively dependent on the internet, often to the point of losing control over their time, attention, or spending habits. The first character 网 (wǎng) means 'net' or 'internet', while 奴 (nú) means 'slave' or 'servant'. Together, they vividly convey the idea of being enslaved by online activities: compulsively checking social media, binge-watching videos, or overspending on e-commerce platforms.

This term is commonly used in informal speech and online discussions to describe people who feel unable to disconnect — for example, young urban professionals or students who spend hours daily scrolling feeds or gaming. Though it carries a light tone, it often implies mild criticism or concern about digital overuse, similar to English expressions like 'phone zombie' or 'screen addict'. It’s not a clinical term but reflects growing societal awareness of digital dependency.