Lifestyle: The Labubu Epidemic

 The Labubu Epidemic: What Do these Peculiar Keychains Say About our Overconsumerist Ways?


 You've probably seen them: those adorable, squishy Labubu plush keychains dangling from backpacks, purses, and phone lanyards. They're undeniably cute and have become a must-have accessory for many. But beneath their soft exterior lies a harsher reality about how fleeting trends drive overconsumption.


What Even are Labubus Anyway?


 Labubus are miniature plush keychains sold in blind bags or limited series drops. Their quirky designs and collectible nature have tapped into the same appeal as Squishmallows, Beanie Babies, or Pop Mart figurines. They're photogenic, affordable, and released in waves that create a sense of urgency. Whether it's a neon variant or a special-edition holiday drop, Labubus lean into scarcity to generate demand.


The Dark Side of Trend-Driven Consumerism


Cultural trends move at internet speed, and one viral video can turn a niche product into a national obsession. The result is a buying frenzy, with collectors wanting to "catch them all" and parents scrambling to find the latest release for their kids. But this trend-driven consumerism comes with a cost. Take a look at your local thrift shop. Did you maybe find a Stanley cup? Now guess what happens if that Stanley cup stays on the shelves too long? It gets thrown away! Often times, these trends create an excess in waste. People only want the product because it's trendy, collecting as many as they can, then throwing them out.


Another issue with this trend is resale market manipulation. Resellers will drive up market value by buying up Labubus in bulk and selling them at inflated prices online, making it difficult for genuine collectors to afford them. This same phenomenon happens with almost every modern viral item. (Stay tuned as I'll be publishing a longer article about this soon!)


Why We Keep Falling for Overconsumption?


Labubus aren't the problem; they're a symptom of a culture where identity is expressed through stuff and being part of a trend feels like being part of a community. Social media accelerates this cycle, turning physical objects into viral tokens of belonging.


Tips To Enjoy Without Overdoing


There's no shame in loving cute things or collecting meaningful items. But mindful consumption matters. Before buying, ask yourself:


- Do I really need another one?

- Am I buying this because I love it, or because I'm afraid to miss out?

- Could I trade or gift one instead of buying new?


A Call to Action


The next time a craze comes around, take a breath. You don't have to own the moment to be part of it. Let's enjoy the trend without feeding the culture of excess that benefits corporations and resellers more than communities.

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