A soft fur coat, big eyes and a saber-toothed, devilish grin–at first glance, Labubus seem harmless and innocent. But underneath its cute surface lies a dark trend, one that threatens to rob the wallets and identities of consumers alike. The rise of Labubus promotes consumerist conformity and poses a threat to future generations by primarily targeting children and promoting addictive spending habits.
The sudden burst in popularity of Labubus can be attributed to the release of more than 300 new figures and a near-designer price of $40 per blind box. Blind boxes hook buyers because they never know what’s inside. The rush of opening a fresh packet, the thrill of pulling a rare Labubu, the disappointment of another repeat — it’s the adrenaline that keeps consumers addicted. The promotion of overconsumption preys on the identities of consumers, especially children, who begin relying on their purchases to stay satisfied and conform to rising trends rather than finding joy in individuality.
“I can’t support it,” senior Ophira Hoang said. “It’s a waste of money. It’s 30 bucks for something that probably cost two dollars to produce. I think those kinds of plush key chains will never be worth your money.”
Although many frown upon Labubus, some students support the trend. Though it poses a threat to the mental health of younger generations, senior Neo Tian argues that it is up to consumers to purchase the item and is the price to pay for a free market economy.
“I understand how people view Labubus as a symbol of rampant capitalism and the consumerism that exists within our society,” Tian said. “However, I don’t agree. I think that in a free market economy, people can purchase whatever they want, even if it’s something as wasteful as a Labubu. People have a right to buy them.”
However, Labubus causes society a deeper implication than just high price tags. They are rooted in a deeper problem: materialism. As advertisements and products become predominantly catered to younger audiences, materialism tightens its grip on the youth, promoting poor financial habits and conformity. It’s not the price of the toy that poses a threat, it’s the principles it stands upon, the ones that instigated its claim to fame, that make it problematic.
“The very mechanisms that drove its success such as social media amplification and FOMO-driven purchasing are notoriously fickle and feed into overconsumption,” according to Forbes Magazine. “Many argue that Labubus are an entry-level luxury where the value is tied up in rarity and exclusivity rather than actual cost”
Ultimately, by fostering consumerism in children, Labubus promote an overall decline in financial security and self-esteem. Consumers must resist the pull of viral trends and should cease buying Labubus in order to end the corporatization of youth.
