Core Insights - The increasing trend of cash usage among university students indicates a shift in payment preferences, with 23.7% of individuals aged 18-22 frequently using cash, a significant rise from 8.5% in 2023 [1] - A survey of over a hundred universities shows a 78.3% year-on-year increase in cash payment frequency among students in the first half of 2025 [1] Reasons for Increased Cash Usage - **Control Over Spending**: University students are using cash to manage their spending better, as reliance on mobile payments often leads to overspending [3][5] - **Avoiding Debt**: Many students find themselves borrowing money after exhausting their monthly allowances due to mobile payment convenience, prompting a shift back to cash to prevent accumulating debt [7][8] - **Necessity of Cash**: Students face situations where mobile payment options are unavailable, such as dead phones or poor network coverage, making cash a practical alternative [10] - **Privacy Concerns**: Increased awareness of personal privacy has led students to prefer cash transactions, as mobile payments can expose their spending habits [12] Future Outlook - The trend suggests that both cash and mobile payments will coexist in the long term, as more young people recognize the benefits of cash in controlling expenses, avoiding debt, and protecting privacy [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing reliance on mobile payment tools in China while highlighting the importance of keeping cash on hand for emergencies and specific social situations [1][14]. Group 1: Reasons for Keeping Cash - Cash can help respond to emergencies, such as natural disasters or medical emergencies, where mobile payment may not be available due to power outages or network failures [5][6]. - Certain social occasions, like weddings or holidays, often require cash gifts to make a stronger impression compared to digital transfers [8][9]. - Using cash can prevent privacy leaks associated with mobile payments, as cash transactions do not leave a digital footprint [11]. - Cash payments can help control spending habits, as individuals may be more aware of their expenditures when using physical money rather than digital transactions [13][14]. Group 2: Future of Payment Methods - Despite the rise of mobile payments, cash is expected to remain relevant in daily life, indicating a long-term coexistence of both payment methods [14].

Core Points - The article discusses the risks associated with automatic payment services and the lack of transparency in transactions, highlighting a case where a user was unexpectedly charged for a violation from five years ago without prior notification [2][3] - It emphasizes the importance of being aware of automatic payment authorizations and the potential for unauthorized deductions from accounts [5][6] Group 1: Automatic Payment Risks - Users often unknowingly authorize automatic payments when using services like "pay later" or "no deposit" options, which can lead to unexpected charges [5][6] - Many individuals have shared similar experiences of being charged for services they were unaware of, indicating a widespread issue with automatic payment systems [6][7] Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Spending - The convenience of mobile payments has led to a decrease in consumers' sensitivity to spending, resulting in impulsive purchases and a lack of awareness regarding their financial habits [10][18] - Psychological factors, such as "payment pain," affect how consumers perceive spending, with digital transactions reducing the emotional impact of spending money [18][20] Group 3: Recommendations for Consumers - Consumers are advised to disable unnecessary automatic payment features and set transaction limits to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized charges [40][41] - Keeping track of spending and using cash can help individuals regain control over their finances and improve their budgeting habits [34][45]

Core Viewpoint - The increasing reliance on mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat has led to a decline in cash usage, but experts recommend keeping cash on hand for various reasons, especially as of May. Group 1: Reasons for Keeping Cash - Reason 1: Cash can help control spending. Users have found that mobile payments make it easy to overspend, leading to financial difficulties by the end of the month [4][5]. - Reason 2: Cash is essential for emergencies. Natural disasters can disrupt electronic payment systems, making cash necessary for purchasing essential goods or paying for urgent medical services [6][8]. - Reason 3: Cash payments protect personal privacy. Many consumers are concerned about their spending data being tracked and used for targeted advertising, prompting a shift back to cash [9][11]. - Reason 4: Cash can prevent account theft. Instances of personal account information being compromised highlight the risks associated with mobile payments, making cash a safer alternative [12][14]. Group 2: Future of Cash Payments - Despite the rise of mobile payments, cash will continue to hold significance in daily transactions and will be favored by many consumers for its advantages [14].