Viral trends like Labubu and overconsumption: what drives us to purchase the unnecessary?

Created on 29/08/2025

In recent years, we’ve seen a true shift in the way people shop and consume. One of the clearest examples of this trend is the Labubu craze. These small, colorful figures sold in “blind boxes” have taken over TikTok, Instagram, and the hearts of collectors worldwide.

This article is an attempt to explore that craze. We look at why we get drawn into patterns of consumption, how viral hype is created, and why social pressure affects us so easily. We’ll also dive into the psychology of shopping, the FOMO effect, the impact of over-collecting, and possible alternatives that allow us to regain control over our decisions.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Labubu figure craze and viral hype
3. The “blind box” system and the psychology of FOMO
4. Overconsumption in practice: what follows the purchase
5. The social impact of compulsive buying
6. Alternatives: mindful choices and eco-friendly gadgets
7. Summary
8. FAQ

The Labubu toy craze and viral hype

The tiny, charming Labubu toys have become one of the most recognizable symbols of modern consumer culture. Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by POP MART, they’ve won the admiration of collectors across the globe. While they may seem like simple playthings, their popularity goes far beyond children’s entertainment—they’ve turned into fashion statements and lifestyle accessories, driven by social media and viral buzz.

How social media influence shopping trends

Today’s platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are the main forces pushing the Labubu trend. It’s algorithms—rather than traditional advertising—that decide what takes off.

Unboxing clips of Labubu “blind boxes” attract millions of views.
Hashtags such as #Labubu, #POPmart, and #BlindBox trend internationally.
Influencers proudly display their collections, fueling the pressure to own the latest editions.

The result? We no longer buy based on need—we buy what’s trending. Social media reinforce the impression that without Labubu, you’re “left behind.”

Labubu as the ultimate “must-have”

The appeal of Labubu lies more in emotional value than practicality. They serve no functional purpose, yet they’ve become status symbols and markers of belonging to a certain community.

Collectors chase the rarest designs, and owning limited editions is a way to stand out online and among peers. POP MART intentionally limits supply of select versions, boosting their desirability and creating a sense of exclusivity. Each new drop becomes a race—first come, first served.

How TikTok, Instagram, and influencers fueled the trend

It was social media that propelled Labubu into the spotlight:

On TikTok, fast-paced unboxing videos feel like a gamble. Viewers keep watching to see if a rare plush will appear.
On Instagram, collectors curate stylish galleries of their finds, making Labubu part of their personal lifestyle.
Influencers often get early access to the newest series, creating the impression that you need them to stay up-to-date.

What’s notable is that much of the buzz is organic—users themselves generate the content that fuels interest. A handful of viral posts can be enough to empty store shelves in minutes.

The “blind box” system and the psychology of FOMO

Labubu’s explosive rise in popularity is closely tied to the use of “blind boxes.” This isn’t just clever marketing—it’s a deliberately crafted psychological strategy that taps into brain chemistry, dopamine-driven rewards, and social influence.

What “blind boxes” are and why they hook us

A “blind box” is a small package with a mystery plush inside from a specific series. Buyers don’t know which design they’ll get—the reveal is the point. POP MART’s Labubu series usually come in several variations:

standard figures—produced in larger numbers,
limited editions—rarer and more difficult to find,
“chase figures”—ultra-rare collectibles highly sought after by fans.

The setup works like a game of chance. You’re paying not just for the item, but for the emotional rush of discovery. It mirrors gambling: every unboxing brings a spike of tension and anticipation. That very uncertainty makes people want to try again—and buy another box.

Dopamine’s role in the buying experience

The brain’s reward system fuels the allure of blind boxes. When something excites us, dopamine is released—a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation.

With Labubu, the cycle looks like this:

Anticipation – the thrill starts as soon as you make the purchase, hoping for a rare piece.
The reveal – opening the box causes a sharp burst of dopamine.
Reward or disappointment – a rare plush brings huge satisfaction; if not, there’s a strong urge to try again to “make up for it.”

This mix of risk and reward activates patterns similar to those found in slot machines. POP MART understands this perfectly—which is why they restrict certain editions, boosting the sense of rarity and competition.

FOMO — the social pressure of “everyone has it”

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is one of the strongest drivers behind Labubu purchases. Social media amplify it massively:

On TikTok and Instagram, we see collectors proudly unboxing the latest series.
In fan communities, members share their newest additions.
This builds the feeling that you must join in—or risk being left out.

FOMO becomes most intense when it comes to limited editions. The thought that a plush could vanish from the market forever only heightens the urge to purchase.

Overconsumption in practice: what happens after you buy

We purchase, we unbox, we feel a rush of excitement… and then the plush gets placed on a shelf. What first seemed like a source of joy often quickly turns into just another item gathering dust. The Labubu phenomenon fits perfectly into the wider issue of overconsumption—buying more and more things that we don’t truly need, just because they provide a fleeting emotional boost.

Packed shelves, creeping chaos, and “dust collectors”

Labubu toys might be small, but they come with one inevitable consequence: the numbers keep growing. For many buyers, one or two quickly turn into the start of an endless collection:

They keep chasing new series because they “need to complete the set.”
They pre-order the newest drops before even opening the last batch.

The result? Our homes gradually fill with clutter. The plushies lose their uniqueness and become just another pile of things that sit and… gather dust. This is the irony of modern collecting—chasing the next new thing often leads to disorder, not lasting happiness.

The happiness paradox: why shopping doesn’t make us happier

Consumer psychology reveals that the joy of buying is short-lived. The cycle usually looks like this:

Before the purchase – excitement builds at the thought of getting something rare.
During the purchase – we experience a surge of happiness and dopamine.
Afterward – the high quickly fades, and emotions return to normal.
Not long after – we begin searching for the next “hit.”

The “hedonic treadmill” — the endless chase for newness

Psychologists refer to this cycle as the hedonic treadmill, and it’s central to explaining overconsumption. Here’s how it plays out:

Getting something new gives us a brief spike of happiness.
Before long, the brain adjusts and the sense of satisfaction fades.
We crave another novelty to feel that spark again.
And the loop keeps repeating — without an endpoint.

The social fallout of compulsive shopping

The Labubu craze is more than just a short-lived fad—it signals deeper shifts in consumer culture. On one side, psychological triggers like dopamine-driven reward cycles push us to shop more often. On the other, mass production and the fleeting use of products bring serious consequences for both the planet and our daily lives.

How instant gratification culture reshapes our behavior

Today’s shoppers exist in a world built on instant gratification. Social media, targeted marketing, and e-commerce algorithms bombard us with endless prompts designed to spark a single reaction: “buy now.”

And it goes far beyond plush toys. The same dynamic spills over into fashion, tech, cosmetics, mobile games, and more. It’s a culture of “faster” and “more,” where shopping decisions are less about real needs and more about chasing trends.

The environmental toll: microplastics, waste, and CO₂

Each Labubu purchase also adds to an environmental burden. One toy might look harmless, but scaled up to millions, the impact is enormous:

1. Microplastics and waste

Labubu toys, manufactured by POP MART, are mainly made of vinyl and other plastics.
The production of these materials creates waste that is hard to process.
Once they reach landfills, they eventually break down, releasing microplastics into soil and water.

2. Excess packaging

Blind boxes also intensify the issue:

Each toy comes in a cardboard box with an additional protective plastic wrap inside.
For customers who purchase several or even dozens of boxes, this results in significant waste—almost entirely single-use.

3. Carbon footprint (CO₂)

Most Labubu toys are manufactured in Asia before being shipped around the globe.
Air and sea transport greatly increase CO₂ emissions.
On top of that, constant demand for new collections drives intensive production, consuming both energy and natural resources.

Alternatives: conscious consumption and eco-friendly gadgets

Once we recognize how overconsumption works, the next step is finding ways to step off the shopping treadmill. Growing eco-awareness and the rise of minimalism are encouraging more people to look for alternatives—products that are durable, practical, and environmentally responsible.

Ways to curb shopping impulses—practical advice

You don’t need to give up shopping altogether—just learn to do it wisely. Here are some helpful approaches:

Create a needs list—before buying, ask yourself if it’s something essential or just an impulse.
Pause before purchasing—if something tempts you, wait 24–48 hours. Often, the urge fades away.
Set a budget for indulgences—enjoy small treats, but keep them within limits.
Value what you already own—before adding another plush, take stock of your collection. Is it truly needed, or just trend pressure?
Opt for quality over quantity—durable, functional, and eco-conscious items provide lasting satisfaction.

This mindset not only helps keep your budget in check but also reduces clutter and lowers your ecological footprint.

The rise of minimalism and “less waste” products

An increasing number of people are realizing that having less can actually give you more. Minimalism doesn’t mean giving up everything—it’s about consciously choosing items that truly add value to your life.

Minimalism encourages us to keep items that are durable, useful, and visually appealing.
The less waste approach focuses on reducing trash by choosing reusable goods or items made from recyclable materials.
This way, we buy fewer things, but of higher quality—picking products that last for years instead of turning into yet another dust-gatherer.

Natural cork—a prime example of an eco-friendly product

One of the clearest examples of sustainable production is natural cork. This renewable material, harvested from the bark of the cork oak, offers huge potential in the world of eco-conscious gadgets.

Why is natural cork sustainable?

Bark harvesting doesn’t involve cutting down the tree—the oak remains alive and regenerates naturally.
Production generates very little waste and leaves an almost negligible carbon footprint.
Natural cork is both biodegradable and fully recyclable.

Examples of natural cork gadgets

Yoga and fitness mats—non-slip, long-lasting, and naturally resistant to moisture.
Globes and decorative items—lightweight, stylish, and contemporary in design.
Reusable mugs and designer coasters—combining practicality with aesthetics.
Pens—comfortable and smooth to hold.
Wallets, pouches, handbags, and backpacks—lightweight, sturdy, and water-resistant.
Umbrellas—a sustainable alternative.
Footwear such as sandals and shoes—cushioned, breathable, and comfortable.
Desk organizers—practical and elegant solutions for storage.
Photo frames—simple, minimalist, and natural.
Computer mice—ergonomic, lightweight, and pleasant to use.

Summary

The Labubu trend clearly shows how social media, blind box strategies, and the FOMO effect influence our buying habits. We get drawn into the excitement of unboxing, the chase for rare editions, and the pressure of “everyone else has one.” But the brief satisfaction fades quickly, leaving behind crowded shelves, clutter, and a lingering sense of emptiness.

A better approach is conscious consumption—choosing products that are long-lasting, practical, and sustainable. Natural cork gadgets are a perfect example, blending design, usability, and environmental care. Instead of another plush toy that soon loses its appeal, we can opt for items that stay useful for years while embracing the less waste philosophy.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I’m stuck in the overconsumption cycle?
If you buy plush toys or other items on impulse, and most of them just sit on a shelf while your interest fades quickly, that’s a warning sign. Pay attention to your emotions: if shopping is your reaction to boredom, stress, or trend pressure, it’s worth taking a step back.

2. What can I do with plush toys I no longer want?
Instead of throwing them away, try:

selling them on collector platforms,
trading them in fan groups,
donating them to someone who will truly value them.
This helps reduce waste and gives the items a second life.

3. How can I stop buying because of FOMO?

Use the “24–48 hour rule”—wait before making a purchase.
Turn off notifications about new launches and promotions if they create pressure.
Keep in mind that what’s trending today may be forgotten tomorrow.

4. Why should I choose natural cork products?
Natural cork is renewable, sustainable, and highly versatile. Cork gadgets have real practical value—like yoga mats, coasters, wallets, photo frames, organizers, mugs, or even computer mice. They help reduce waste while supporting the less waste movement.