Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the generational divide within the "二次元" (anime and manga culture) community, highlighting the differences between the "old" and "new" 二次元, and how these differences manifest in consumption habits, social interactions, and cultural identity. Group 1: Generational Differences - The early 二次元 culture was primarily shaped by individuals born around 1980, while the new 二次元 largely consists of those born after 2005, leading to significant differences in social and media environments [2] - The distinction between old and new 二次元 is not solely based on age but also on preferences for merchandise, with terms like "周边" (peripheral goods) used by the old generation and "谷子" (a newer term for similar products) by the new generation [3][12] - The new 二次元 is characterized by a strong consumer culture, where purchasing habits and the desire for unique identities play a crucial role in defining community membership [4][5] Group 2: Cultural Consumption and Events - The 二次元 industry is rapidly expanding, with a significant increase in events such as comic conventions, which saw nearly 200 events held in major cities during the recent May Day holiday [7] - The rise of "谷子经济" (the economy of buying merchandise) reflects a shift in how fans express their passion, with purchasing becoming a measure of commitment and status within the community [12][14] - The traditional practices of attending events and purchasing merchandise have evolved, with new 二次元 fans often feeling pressured to spend more to fit in and gain recognition [14][25] Group 3: Social Dynamics and Identity - The new 二次元 community exhibits a strong desire for social connection, often using 二次元 culture to build real-world relationships, contrasting with the older generation's more isolated engagement [21][20] - There is a notable anxiety among younger fans regarding social status and acceptance, leading to behaviors such as creating "无料" (free promotional items) to foster connections at events [23][25] - The phenomenon of "投厕" (publicly criticizing disliked individuals or content) highlights the internal conflicts within the community, where the lines between playful critique and bullying have blurred [26][30] Group 4: Cultural Mainstreaming and Identity Crisis - As 二次元 culture becomes more mainstream, the identity crisis among fans intensifies, with older fans feeling alienated by the new generation's practices and values [29][37] - The article suggests that the influx of new fans has led to a dilution of the original 二次元 culture, creating a tension between maintaining unique identities and adapting to broader acceptance [34][35] - The shift from a focus on creative contributions to consumerism among younger fans indicates a significant change in how passion for 二次元 is expressed and perceived [35][37]