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 Insights - The "post-exam economy" is emerging as a significant trend among graduates, characterized by a surge in consumption related to travel, electronics, and personal development [1][2] - The demand for travel among high school graduates has increased dramatically, with a reported 137% year-on-year rise in bookings during the period from exam completion to college application [2] - The total number of high school graduates in 2025 is approximately 13.35 million, maintaining a historical high, which contributes to the robust growth of the "post-exam economy" [2] Consumption Trends - Graduates are engaging in various forms of consumption that symbolize personal growth and achievement, such as travel, new electronics, and skills development [1] - Parents are increasingly viewing these expenditures as a form of "coming-of-age" celebration for their children, reflecting a cultural shift in how educational milestones are recognized [1][2] Economic Context - The government has implemented supportive policies to stimulate consumption, including a special bond issuance of 300 billion yuan aimed at promoting the replacement of old consumer goods, which is 150 billion yuan more than the previous year [2] - The "post-exam economy" is seen as a natural outcome of these supportive measures and the high number of graduates entering the market [2] Social Responsibility - There is a call for parents, schools, and society to guide graduates towards rational consumption, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and responsible spending [3] - The need to balance fulfilling desires with instilling values of moderation and investment in the future is highlighted, suggesting a shift towards more sustainable consumption practices [3]