Core Insights - The article discusses the changing dynamics of modern relationships and the emergence of a new emotional economy driven by the need for emotional connection and self-exploration in a materialistic society [2][29]. Group 1: Changing Relationship Dynamics - The divorce of a public figure has sparked discussions about evolving views on relationships, highlighting a shift in societal expectations where emotional needs are prioritized alongside material ones [1][2]. - There is a growing recognition that when material needs are met, emotional value becomes crucial for sustaining intimate relationships [3][14]. Group 2: Emerging Markets and Services - A new market is developing around relationship maintenance and self-exploration, with young individuals seeking training and workshops to navigate their emotional needs [5][6]. - Statistics indicate that China's single adult population exceeds 240 million, with a significant portion seeking relationship services, leading to a projected market size of 108 billion yuan for matchmaking services in 2024, a 28% increase from 2023 [7]. Group 3: Emotional Education and Training - Various emotional training services are emerging, with courses focusing on image transformation, communication skills, and relationship maintenance, charging fees ranging from 200 to 500 yuan per hour [7][8]. - New types of "slow relationship" workshops are gaining popularity, emphasizing self-awareness and emotional education over quick-fix solutions, with costs ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 yuan for 3 to 6 months of training [9][10]. Group 4: Psychological Insights and Market Demand - The demand for emotional services reflects a deeper quest for self-understanding among young people, who are not just seeking to date but are exploring their identities and desires [11][12]. - The emotional economy thrives on creating anxiety and then offering solutions, with businesses capitalizing on the need for emotional security and clarity in relationships [13][18]. Group 5: The Role of Content and Social Media - Emotional content creators, such as astrology and tarot card readers, are becoming increasingly popular, providing a sense of order and understanding in chaotic emotional landscapes [15][16]. - The business model of emotional content is efficient, producing high-margin products with minimal costs, appealing to consumers' desires for certainty in their emotional lives [17][18]. Group 6: Cultural and Psychological Implications - The rise of the emotional economy reflects a cultural phenomenon where individuals are willing to outsource their emotional decision-making to commercial entities, highlighting a struggle for control in uncertain emotional landscapes [29][30]. - The article emphasizes the importance of distinguishing genuine self-growth from the superficial solutions offered by the emotional economy, suggesting that true emotional fulfillment requires active engagement rather than passive consumption [30][28].

Group 1 - The article discusses the rising trend of metaphysical consumption among young people, highlighting how they have transformed traditional practices into modern, everyday rituals [3][4][68] - A survey conducted by "Post-Wave Research Institute" collected 668 responses, revealing that 77.5% of participants were female and 29.5% were born after 2000 [5][4] - The primary motivations for seeking metaphysical guidance include career advancement (76.5%), financial luck (74.9%), and relationship issues (49.6%) [10][8] Group 2 - The survey indicates that 60% of young people are interested in astrology, with the top three areas of focus being BaZi (Chinese astrology), Western astrology, and Tarot [17][18] - The frequency of metaphysical practices has increased, with 54% of respondents feeling they are experiencing a "Mercury retrograde" effect, leading them to seek metaphysical solutions [23][68] - Young people are allocating budgets for metaphysical services, with 60% spending less than 500 yuan annually, while 20% spend over 1000 yuan [38][41] Group 3 - The article notes a significant increase in sales of temple-related products, with a 367% rise in ticket sales for temple attractions since March [49] - Young consumers are increasingly purchasing metaphysical items, such as temple bracelets and energy crystals, with 50.8% having bought temple bracelets [40][41] - Brands are embracing metaphysical marketing, creating products that resonate with metaphysical themes, indicating a growing market for such items [44][68]

Core Insights - The article discusses the rising trend of metaphysical consumption among young people, highlighting how they utilize various forms of divination and spiritual practices to navigate life's uncertainties and stressors [5][57]. - A survey conducted by "Houlang Research Institute" reveals that young individuals are increasingly turning to metaphysical tools, with a significant focus on career and financial success rather than traditional desires like love [8][32]. Group 1: Demographics and Preferences - The survey collected 668 responses, with 77.5% female and 22.5% male participants, indicating a strong female interest in metaphysical practices [6][7]. - The most sought-after forms of metaphysical guidance include BaZi (Chinese astrology) at 60.0%, Western astrology at 55.8%, and Tarot cards at 44.8% [15][14]. - Young people are primarily concerned with career luck (76.5%) and financial luck (74.9%), while only 49.6% seek love luck, showing a shift in priorities [8][9]. Group 2: Spending Habits - Approximately 60% of young people allocate less than 500 yuan annually for metaphysical services, while 20% spend over 1000 yuan [32][33]. - Common purchases include temple bracelets (50.8%), prayer pendants (38.6%), and energy crystals (30.1%), reflecting a growing market for metaphysical products [34][35]. Group 3: Reasons for Seeking Metaphysical Guidance - The primary motivations for engaging in metaphysical practices include alleviating stress and anxiety (70%), seeking explanations for current situations, and satisfying curiosity [41][42]. - The need for metaphysical support is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 75% of post-00s and 78.3% of post-95s expressing a desire for such guidance [44]. Group 4: Trends and Cultural Shifts - The article notes a cultural shift where traditional practices like visiting temples are being replaced by more accessible forms of divination, such as AI fortune-telling and social media-driven astrology [57][58]. - The metaphysical market is evolving, with brands incorporating metaphysical themes into their products, indicating a blend of spirituality and consumerism [36][58].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising popularity of metaphysics and astrology among young people in China, highlighting how these practices have become integrated with modern technology, particularly AI, to meet emotional needs and provide psychological comfort [6][11]. Group 1: Popularity and Acceptance of Metaphysics - The divorce of popular astrology influencer Tao Baibai has sparked discussions about the credibility of astrology, reflecting a broader acceptance of metaphysical beliefs among young people [7][8]. - A report from iiMedia Consulting predicts that the emotional economy market in China will reach approximately 23 trillion yuan in 2024 and exceed 45 trillion yuan by 2029, with 18.29% of consumers showing a preference for metaphysics [9][11]. Group 2: Integration with Technology - The rise of AI tools like DeepSeek has led to a surge in interest in using AI for fortune-telling, with many young users engaging in discussions about their results in social media groups [13][14]. - AI applications in metaphysics have evolved from simple text-based fortune-telling to more complex analyses that incorporate traditional Chinese metaphysical texts, attracting a larger audience [16][17]. Group 3: Engagement and Content Creation - Social media platforms have facilitated the creation of interactive tarot reading videos, allowing users to engage with content in a more personalized manner, which has contributed to the popularity of these practices [18][20]. - The format of tarot reading videos has become standardized, with creators using engaging techniques to attract viewers and enhance their experience [19][21]. Group 4: Monetization Strategies - Various monetization methods have emerged in the metaphysical space, including one-on-one consultations and the sale of "energy products" like crystals, with prices ranging from a few yuan to thousands [22][23]. - Many tarot readers and metaphysical influencers are leveraging their platforms to offer paid services, creating a new avenue for income generation while also providing psychological support to clients [22][24].

Core Insights - The rise of interest in metaphysics among young people is highlighted by the popularity of astrology influencer Tao Baibai, whose recent divorce has sparked discussions about the credibility of metaphysical beliefs [2] - The emotional economy in China is projected to grow significantly, with a market size expected to reach 23,077.67 billion yuan in 2024 and surpass 45,000 billion yuan by 2029, indicating a strong consumer preference for metaphysical and luck-related services [3] - The integration of AI technology into metaphysical practices is creating new opportunities and attracting more participants, as seen with the use of AI models for fortune-telling [6] Group 1: Technology and Metaphysics - The popularity of AI models like DeepSeek has led to a surge in young people using these tools for fortune-telling, with many sharing their experiences in social media groups [7][9] - AI models provide personalized readings based on traditional Chinese metaphysics, which are shared widely among users, indicating a blend of technology and traditional practices [10][13] - The overall user engagement with AI-assisted fortune-telling is significant, with 612 million monthly active users in this sector, second only to search engines [10] Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Trends - Young consumers are increasingly viewing metaphysical practices as a form of psychological counseling rather than superstition, with tarot reading and astrology becoming popular among this demographic [20] - The monetization of metaphysical services is evolving, with influencers and practitioners offering personalized consultations and selling related products, such as crystals, at varying price points [25][23] - The psychological appeal of metaphysics is rooted in the Barnum effect and self-fulfilling prophecies, which help alleviate decision-making anxiety for consumers [25] Group 3: Social Media Influence - Social media platforms have transformed tarot reading from one-on-one sessions to mass engagement through video content, allowing users to participate in collective experiences [16][19] - The format of tarot videos on platforms like Bilibili and Douyin is designed to maximize user interaction and engagement, often leading to prolonged viewing sessions [17][19] - Influencers often tailor their content to resonate with a broad audience, enhancing the perceived accuracy and relevance of their readings [19]

Group 1 - The core idea revolves around the concept of emotional value in branding, suggesting that brands can differentiate themselves by deeply satisfying consumer emotions, which is crucial in a competitive market [1][2] - The article highlights a significant trend where many brands are facing closures or deregistration, reaching a 14-year high in 2024, indicating a need for brands to better understand consumer psychology [1][2] - Emotional value is linked to economic value, as consumers are willing to pay a premium for brands that resonate with their identity and values, exemplified by the success of blind box products [2][4] Group 2 - The shift from material consumption to experiential consumption is emphasized, particularly in Japan, where consumers seek emotional fulfillment through unique experiences rather than just products [3][4] - The rise of products that provide emotional comfort, such as stress-relief toys and virtual goods, showcases the growing potential of the emotional consumption market [4] - Emotional value is identified as a new driving force in consumer behavior, reshaping value perceptions and offering businesses new avenues for economic growth [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the significance of emotional value in branding and consumer relationships, emphasizing that understanding consumer psychology is crucial for brands to thrive in a competitive market [1][2][4]. Group 1: Emotional Value and Consumer Behavior - Emotional value translates into economic value as consumers are willing to pay a premium for positive emotional experiences associated with brands [2]. - Brand premium is explained through emotional value, where consumers expect emotional satisfaction and are willing to pay for it, reflecting their identity and values [2]. - Examples of brands like Labubu demonstrate how emotional value can lead to significant market prices, with blind boxes being sold for thousands, showcasing the strong monetization potential of emotional value in consumer markets [2]. Group 2: Experience-Driven Consumption - The shift from material consumption to experience consumption is highlighted, particularly in Japan, where consumers seek emotional fulfillment through unique experiences [3]. - Japanese agricultural marketing strategies focus on providing consumers with experiences, such as fruit picking and farm visits, which enhance emotional connections to products [3]. - Social media amplifies the influence of emotional value, with seemingly trivial products gaining popularity as emotional outlets for consumers [3][4]. Group 3: Emerging Trends in Emotional Consumption - The rise of products that provide immediate emotional relief, such as stress-relief toys, indicates a growing market for emotional consumption [4]. - The popularity of niche products, like "谷子" merchandise, reflects the vast potential of the emotional consumption market as it transitions from niche to mainstream [4]. - Emotional value is reshaping consumer values, allowing for spiritual satisfaction beyond material needs, and presenting new business opportunities for companies [4].