POP MART(HK:09992) 经济观察报·2026-02-16 03:07Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of the "emotional economy," which encompasses various consumer behaviors driven by emotions, such as self-care, companionship, and anger, highlighting the complexities and implications of these trends in modern society [4][6][30]. Group 1: Emotional Economy Overview - The emotional economy is defined as a new economic form where consumers prioritize emotional value over functional value in their purchasing decisions [9][12]. - Emotional consumption is driven by the need for psychological comfort, self-identity, and emotional resonance, rather than just the utility of products [8][9]. - The emotional economy includes three layers: emotions as commodities, the role of data and platforms in shaping emotional experiences, and the shift from functional value to emotional connection in brand relationships [9][11]. Group 2: Examples of Emotional Economy - Pop Mart serves as a clear example of the emotional economy, where its blind box model creates emotional anticipation and excitement, leading to increased consumer willingness to purchase [10][11]. - The emotional value derived from Pop Mart's products is not just about the toys themselves but the designed emotional experience associated with the purchase [10][11]. - The emotional economy is rapidly growing, with a projected market size of approximately 2.3 trillion yuan in 2024, expected to exceed 4.5 trillion yuan by 2029 [12]. Group 3: Subcategories of Emotional Economy - The "self-love economy" has gained prominence, where consumers focus on personal well-being and emotional satisfaction through various expenditures, such as wellness services and hobbies [20][21]. - The "companionship economy" is characterized by the rise of AI companionship and emotional support services, which have become significant in addressing loneliness and emotional needs [24][25]. - The "anger economy" reflects the monetization of negative emotions, particularly through social media, where content designed to provoke anger garners more engagement and visibility [26][27]. Group 4: Future Implications of Emotional Economy - The emotional economy raises concerns about the potential for emotional commodification to lead to a depoliticized approach to self-care, shifting responsibility for emotional well-being onto individuals rather than addressing systemic issues [30][32]. - The article suggests that while the emotional economy can provide short-term comfort, it may also internalize structural problems as personal issues, complicating the relationship between individual well-being and societal conditions [31][32]. - The evolution of the emotional economy may lead to a revaluation of emotional skills in the workforce, particularly as AI takes over more analytical tasks, potentially benefiting those with strong emotional intelligence [33].