“假性省钱”，正在掏空年轻人的钱包

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the trend among young people to engage in DIY (do-it-yourself) projects as a means to save money, highlighting the paradox that while these activities seem cost-effective, they often require significant time and effort, leading to the realization that "free" can be the most expensive option in terms of time invested [5][38]. Group 1: DIY as a Cost-Saving Strategy - Many young individuals are attempting to save money by creating their own products, from lip balm to furniture, by purchasing raw materials and following online tutorials [11][12]. - For example, a young woman named Li Zishan calculated that making her own lip balm cost her only about 3 yuan per stick, significantly less than the market price, allowing her to save over 100 yuan in a winter season [8][12]. - The article presents various examples of DIY projects, such as homemade soap and cleaning enzymes, which can lead to substantial savings compared to store-bought alternatives [11][24]. Group 2: The Reality of Time Investment - Engaging in DIY projects often requires a considerable time commitment, which can negate the financial savings when calculated against the individual's hourly wage [18][31]. - For instance, a young woman named Xiao Min spent over 12 hours making a tiny doll outfit, which, when factoring in her potential earnings, made the cost of the DIY project nearly equivalent to purchasing a ready-made garment [31]. - The article emphasizes that while DIY can provide a sense of accomplishment and personalization, the time and effort involved can lead to frustration and a realization that purchasing ready-made items may be more practical [25][31]. Group 3: The Psychological Aspect of DIY - The article explores the psychological motivations behind DIY projects, suggesting that for some, it represents a shift in mindset away from consumerism towards a more self-sufficient lifestyle [38]. - Li Zishan, for example, reflects on her journey from being a "money-spending" consumer to someone who finds fulfillment in creating her own products, indicating a deeper search for meaning beyond material possessions [39]. - However, the article also notes that many DIY enthusiasts find themselves caught in a cycle of spending on materials, which can contradict their initial goal of saving money [34][39].