Core Insights - The article discusses the unique economic phenomenon in China where seemingly useless items are sold at high prices, indicating a shift in consumer behavior towards emotional spending rather than traditional necessities [2][4]. Group 1: Demographics and Consumer Behavior - The single population in China has reached 240 million, expected to exceed 300 million next year, while the population aged 60 and above has surpassed 310 million, together accounting for nearly half of the country's population [2]. - These demographics represent a significant shift in consumer behavior, as they are the first generation in China with disposable income that can be spent on personal desires rather than family obligations [2][4]. Group 2: Economic and Social Changes - The rise of the single population is attributed to changes in production methods and women's economic independence, leading to a transformation in marriage and family structures [4]. - The emotional consumption trend has emerged, where individuals are willing to spend significantly on non-essential items that provide emotional satisfaction, such as collectibles and pet products [4][5]. Group 3: Market Trends - The pet economy has reached 279.3 billion, projected to exceed 360 billion next year, reflecting the growing trend of emotional spending [5]. - The "one-person economy" is thriving, with products and services tailored to individual lifestyles, indicating a shift in consumption patterns [5]. Group 4: Emotional Value as a New Consumption Trend - Emotional value is identified as a new consumption trend, where products provide psychological satisfaction rather than just material utility [8]. - The emergence of a third type of value, "emotional value," is reshaping the market, driven by changes in economic conditions, consumer independence, and technological advancements [8][9]. Group 5: Implications of Social Change - The silver economy is projected to surpass 12 trillion, with expectations to reach 50 trillion, indicating a significant market opportunity in catering to the elderly population [9]. - The article highlights the societal transformation resulting from the liberation from traditional structures, leading to increased individualism and, consequently, loneliness [9][11]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The article suggests that the future of consumption will focus on emotional products, as the need for emotional fulfillment becomes a primary driver of spending [11]. - The market is adapting to meet the emotional needs of consumers, indicating a shift in the economic landscape towards providing emotional support and companionship [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a new consumer behavior in China driven by emotional spending, particularly among the single population and the elderly, highlighting a shift from traditional consumption patterns to those focused on emotional value [5][30]. Group 1: Demographic Changes - The single population in China has reached 240 million, expected to exceed 300 million next year, while the population aged 60 and above has surpassed 310 million, together accounting for nearly half of China's population [5][6]. - These demographics represent the first generation of Chinese individuals who can spend money independently, breaking away from traditional family financial obligations [6][8]. Group 2: Shifts in Consumption Patterns - The article identifies a significant transformation in consumption logic, where essential living expenses are minimized while spending on emotional products has surged [9][10]. - The pet economy has reached 279.3 billion, projected to exceed 360 billion next year, driven by the emotional bonds people form with their pets in a high-pressure society [11][12]. - The rise of the "one-person economy" is noted, with products and services tailored for single individuals becoming mainstream, reflecting a shift in lifestyle [13]. Group 3: Emotional Value in Consumption - The concept of "emotional value" is introduced as a new form of value that transcends traditional economic measures, focusing on the psychological satisfaction derived from products [18][20]. - The article emphasizes that the current consumer landscape is characterized by a demand for emotional fulfillment, with spending on seemingly irrational items serving as a means to achieve psychological balance [30][32]. Group 4: Economic Implications - The silver economy has surpassed 12 trillion, expected to approach 50 trillion next year, representing 12% of GDP, indicating a significant market opportunity akin to the real estate boom [26]. - The article suggests that the emotional economy is not just a commercial opportunity but also a profound social transformation, reflecting the complexities of modern life and individual isolation [27][34].