Blind boxes are trending like never before with collectible toys like Labubus, Smiskis and Sonny Angels flying off the shelves. These figures are popular for both young children and adults who like to play with or collect them. However, do these widespread trends constitute a larger issue with rampant consumerism and an internet-fed urge to collect excessive amounts of whatever new thing is trending? Or do they simply represent an innocent affinity for the cute toys?
What is consumerism?
Consumerism is an economic driver that is focused on acquiring goods in ever-increasing amounts, linking happiness to one’s possessions. It often leads to environmental harm through most trends ending up in landfills or cluttering up thrift-store shelves after the popularity vanishes. The overconsumption of goods such as blind-boxes is an unfortunate cycle, with a new trending item every month, it feels hard to keep up with the trends, and those who do only revel in their success for a short time before they have to move on to the next thing. In general, blind-boxes as a whole do not represent consumerism. It is hard to tell right now how long current trends will stay popular, however, some people certainly do perform consumerism via blind boxes.
How does social media tie into all of this?
Social media is one of the biggest influences on what people buy, wear, and do. Advertisements, recommendations and influencers all contribute to the popularity and widespread appeal of different products and ideas. Watching someone open a blind-box is exciting, and it makes the viewer want to go purchase one themselves. Advertisements promote and encourage their audience to buy the item, often to fit in with what is popular. Influencers do the same thing by encouraging their followers to buy items such as blind boxes.
The element of surprise associated blind boxes them has the same effect that gambling does on the mind. Psychologists agree that the randomized, chance-based nature resemble gambling. The idea of some varieties being rare to find in the blind boxes creates an idea of manufactured scarcity which pushes more people to buy to try to win that prize. Large companies that sell blind-boxes such as Pop Mart or Miniso benefit from these concepts of gambling and rewards behavior.
Should I stop buying Blind boxes then?
The short answer is no, you do not have to stop buying blind boxes. Whether it be a Labubu, Lafufu, Calico Critter, Smiski, Sonny Angel, Littlest Pet Shop, or something else, if buying blind boxes brings you happiness then of course you can buy them.
It is important, however, to understand the intentions behind blind boxes companies and to buy them in moderation. It may also be wise, to instead of buying blind box after blind box in search of one specific variety or color, to purchase it for resale online. Trying to stay away from consumerism ideas of buying excess amounts of items is always a good idea, for both your wallet and for the environment.