Core Insights - The article discusses the unexpected popularity of two products at the beginning of 2026: the "Dead or Alive" app and the "Crying Horse" plush toy, highlighting a cultural trend of dark humor and emotional expression in contemporary society [1][5][11]. Group 1: "Dead or Alive" App - The "Dead or Alive" app, priced at 8 yuan, allows users to check in daily to confirm their well-being, with notifications sent to emergency contacts if they fail to check in for two consecutive days [6][7]. - The app was developed by three young entrepreneurs with a minimal initial investment of around 1,000 yuan, reflecting a grassroots approach to addressing urban loneliness and existential fears [6][10]. - The app's download volume reportedly increased by 100 times, indicating a significant market interest and emotional resonance with users [7][9]. Group 2: "Crying Horse" Plush Toy - The "Crying Horse" toy, priced at 25 yuan, gained popularity due to a manufacturing error that resulted in a comically sad expression, resonating with consumers' feelings of frustration and fatigue [11][13]. - The toy's unexpected success led to a surge in orders, prompting the manufacturer to rapidly scale production while maintaining the original price [13]. - The phenomenon reflects a broader trend of embracing "ugly-cute" aesthetics, where imperfections are celebrated as authentic expressions of contemporary emotional states [15][18]. Group 3: Cultural Context and Trends - Both products symbolize a shift towards "dark humor" and "self-deprecating" culture, allowing individuals to cope with societal pressures and emotional burdens through humor and irony [5][16]. - The rise of these products indicates a growing demand for emotional relief in a society that often emphasizes relentless positivity and success [16][18]. - The article suggests that the popularity of such items is part of a larger movement towards "lightness" in culture, where humor and emotional expression become essential coping mechanisms in modern life [18][19].
开年最火的两个抽象顶流，看不懂但真有梗
3 6 Ke·2026-01-12 00:44