海底捞、杨国福纷纷入局小火锅，年轻人为何愿为“一人食”买单？

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the emergence of a new trend in the hot pot industry, driven by the rise of the "one-person economy" and changing consumer preferences, particularly among young people who prefer individual dining experiences [2][4] - The article notes that by 2030, the number of people living alone in China is expected to reach between 150 million to 200 million, with the highest proportion being young adults aged 20-39, indicating a significant shift in consumer demand [2] - Major restaurant chains are entering the self-service hot pot market due to three main factors: the evolution of consumer demographics, growth anxiety among companies, and the attractive market potential [2][3] Group 2 - The article discusses the competitive landscape of the hot pot market, which has formed distinct price segments: below 30 yuan is dominated by regional brands, while the mid-range market is led by giants like Haidilao and Yang Guofu, priced at 59.9 yuan [3][4] - The rise of self-service hot pot addresses modern social issues, particularly the discomfort associated with dining alone, by providing features such as independent cooking stations and transparent partitions that enhance the dining experience [2][4] - The article emphasizes that the popularity of self-service hot pot is not merely a product innovation but a response to demographic changes, with the need for personal dignity in consumption becoming a key driver for both low-end and mid-range offerings [4]