「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 potential pitfalls and time investments involved in this approach [4][9][23]. Group 1: DIY as a Cost-Saving Strategy - Many young individuals, like Li Zishan, attempt to save money by creating their own products, such as lip balm, using low-cost raw materials [7][10]. - The article provides examples of how DIY projects can appear to be cost-effective, such as making a tea table for under 200 yuan compared to a market price of 600-700 yuan [10]. - Li Zishan's experience shows that her homemade lip balm cost only about 3 yuan per stick, significantly less than the 30-40 yuan for store-bought versions, allowing her to save over 100 yuan in a winter season [7][11]. Group 2: Time vs. Money - The article emphasizes a shift in mindset among young people, who are willing to invest time to save money, contrasting the traditional view of "buying time with money" [16][23]. - DIY projects often require significant time investment, as seen in the case of Xiao Min, who spent over 12 hours making a doll's outfit, which, when calculated at her hourly wage, cost nearly 1,000 yuan [33]. - The time required for DIY projects can lead to frustration and realization that the effort may not be worth the savings, as illustrated by Xiao Min's dissatisfaction with her sewing skills [34][44]. Group 3: The Reality of DIY - The article points out that while DIY can seem like a way to escape consumerism, it often leads to additional costs and challenges, such as health issues from prolonged sitting during crafting [29][31]. - Many individuals, including Mao Mao, find themselves accumulating materials and spending more than intended, contradicting the original goal of saving money [37][39]. - The narrative concludes that the true cost of DIY projects often includes not just materials but also the value of time and effort, leading to the realization that some expenses cannot be avoided [44].