Core Insights - The term "healing" has gained significant traction in recent years, with over 830 million people in China identified as being in a state of psychological sub-health, indicating a vast potential consumer base for the "healing economy" [1][7] - The healing economy is not an independent sector but rather a value increment that integrates with various industries, reshaping the core value of products and services [2][3] Group 1: Healing Economy Characteristics - The healing economy is transforming traditional industries by shifting from practical product sales to creating "healing spaces" in home decor, offering "spiritual healing journeys" in tourism, and integrating emotional wellness into dining and beauty services [3][4] - Consumers are willing to pay a premium for healing services, as they seek emotional value and psychological comfort rather than just functional benefits [4][12] Group 2: Social and Psychological Factors - The rise of the healing economy is attributed to a combination of social structure, economic environment, and individual psychological factors, with widespread feelings of "involution" and "anxiety" prevalent across society [5][7] - The emotional economy is emerging as a new economic model focused on meeting consumers' emotional needs, shifting the focus from traditional functional value to emotional value [8][9] Group 3: Consumer Demographics - The demand for healing services is concentrated in economically developed regions, with a significant user base in cities like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangdong [9] - The primary consumers of the healing economy are individuals aged 21 to 40, who represent over 75% of the user base, facing multiple life pressures while possessing disposable income and awareness of mental health [9][10] - Female consumers dominate the healing economy, accounting for over 75% of attendees at healing expos, reflecting their greater emotional expressiveness and unique pressures in balancing work and family [10] Group 4: Economic Implications - The healing economy presents a multi-trillion market potential, but questions remain about whether consumers are genuinely achieving healing or merely experiencing temporary relief from stress [12][13] - While the healing economy offers a "pause" from daily pressures, it does not address the underlying systemic issues causing anxiety and stress, leading to concerns about the commodification of emotional relief [13][18] - The lack of industry standards and effective regulation raises risks of blurring lines between legitimate healing practices and pseudoscience, potentially exploiting vulnerable consumers [13][19]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the rise of emotional consumption among young people, driven by a sense of emptiness and the need for self-satisfaction in their purchasing decisions [2][3][4] - Emotional consumption has become a significant part of the contemporary consumer landscape, moving beyond niche choices to mainstream acceptance [2][4][6] - The shift in consumer logic from practicality to emotional satisfaction reflects a broader societal trend where material needs are met, allowing individuals to seek joy and belonging through their purchases [4][6][12] Group 2 - The rise of emotional consumption is attributed to two main factors: the abundance of material life and the psychological pressures faced by young people [4][7] - Young consumers are increasingly prioritizing emotional value alongside traditional utility in their purchasing decisions, indicating a shift in the hierarchy of needs [6][12] - The emotional economy in China is projected to grow significantly, with the market size expected to reach 23,077.67 billion yuan in 2024 and surpass 45,000 billion yuan by 2029 [12][18] Group 3 - Emotional consumption can be categorized into three main types: self-pleasing, social, and addictive consumption [13][14] - Self-pleasing consumption focuses on personal emotional satisfaction, with products like fragrances serving as a means of self-care and emotional investment [14] - Social consumption acts as a bridge to connect individuals, with products like escape room experiences and collectible items fostering a sense of community and belonging [15][16] Group 4 - Addictive consumption is characterized by a compulsive need for certain products, such as blind boxes, which create a cycle of emotional highs and lows [16][17] - Brands that understand and cater to the emotional needs of consumers are positioned to thrive in this evolving market, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection over traditional product durability [17][18] - The competition among brands is shifting from product functionality to emotional resonance, with successful brands effectively addressing the anxieties and desires of young consumers [17][18]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of emotional consumption as a driving force in consumer behavior, highlighting how consumers are increasingly seeking products and services that provide emotional satisfaction and fulfillment rather than just material needs [3][4]. Group 1: Emotional Consumption Trends - Emotional consumption is becoming a significant trend, with consumers willing to pay for products that offer positive emotional experiences such as relaxation and a sense of belonging [3][4]. - The young consumer demographic is particularly engaged in emotional consumption, with significant growth in categories like toys and EDC (Everyday Carry) items, indicating a shift towards products that provide emotional value [1][2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The emotional consumption market is diverse, encompassing physical goods and virtual services, with a notable increase in the popularity of collectible toys and emotional wellness services [4][6]. - Companies like Pop Mart are experiencing substantial growth, with projected revenue increases of 165% to 170% year-over-year for Q1 2025, indicating strong market demand for emotional products [4]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior Insights - Data shows that emotional products are being integrated into daily life, with consumers using toys as decorative items and sources of emotional connection [1]. - The EDC market has seen a transaction scale exceeding 150 million on platforms like Taobao, with the fastest growth among consumers aged 18 to 24, reflecting a broader trend of seeking emotional outlets through tangible items [2]. Group 4: Industry Challenges and Recommendations - The rapid growth of the emotional consumption market has led to challenges such as data privacy concerns, inconsistent service quality, and misleading marketing practices [6][7]. - Experts suggest the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure consumer protection and to establish clear standards for emotional products, differentiating between entertainment, therapeutic, and medical claims [7].